Jack-in-the-pulpit

The common name of Jack-in-the-pulpit comes from the fascinating structure of its flower. A tiny upright flower spike looks like a tiny man standing in an old-fashioned raised pulpit. The top is hooded, partially hidden by a leaflike flower petal.

This perennial wildflower is also sometimes called bog onion, a reference to its cormlike roots that prefer moist soil, and wake robin, because it blooms in early spring. After flowering, it develops a cluster of red berries, which attract birds and wildlife, but all parts of the plant are toxic to humans.

Light:

Part Sun,Shade

Zones:

2-7

Plant Type:

Perennial,Bulb

Plant Height:

6-30 inches tall

Plant Width:

6-12 inches wide

Flower Color:

maroon-and-white striped flowers

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders

Special Features:

Flowers,Fall Color,Attracts Birds,Attracts Hummingbirds,Tolerates Wet Soil,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Arisaema sikokianum

Arisaema sikokianum develops a maroon or burgundy "pulpit" with a central white "Jack," resembling an ice cream cone with a striped hood. It is a large species, sometimes growing 30 inches tall. Zones 5-9
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Jack-in-the-pulpit

Arisaema triphyllum bears purple-striped flowers that are subtle yet striking in the woodland garden. Plant it in a grouping for best effect. Red berries in fall extend its season of interest. Zones 3-9
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Plant It With

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Heart-leaf brunnera

The forget-me-not-blue flowers of Siberian bugloss make a stunning combination with Jack-in-the-pulpit. Varieties with variegated white or silver foliage create an excellent backdrop to showcase the blooms and berries of Jack-in-the-pulpit.

Hosta

Hostas appreciate the moist shade preferred by Jack-in-the pulpit. They bloom in the interval between Jack-in-the pulpit flowering and berry development.

Lungwort

Spreading mounds of silver-splotched lungwort work well around Jack-in-the-pulpit plants. When Jack begins to fade, the attractive leaves of Bethlehem sage pick up the slack.

Propagation

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Seed