Arisaema triphyllum ~~ Jack in the Pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit is an interesting wildflower native to eastern and midwestern North America, but, easily adapts to shade gardens elsewhere. Its common name comes from its odd flower: a pouch-shaped spathe ("pulpit") with an overhanging hood that surrounds a fingerlike central spadix ("Jack").

This flower produces one to two 3-lobed leaves 12 to 18 inches high that appear in early spring along with the flower. Blooms are composed of a green-and-purple striped spathe bent over at its tip that partially hides the green clublike spadix. When bloom fades, a cluster of bright red berries appears and lasts for a good portion of the summer. Leaves fade away in midsummer if plant is not watered regularly but grow back in spring from an underground tuber.

Now is the perfect time to collect the seeds from these beautiful native plants.

















The berries are bright red and the skin very soft. Mother nature has provided the perfect package and unwrapping it holds the gift of seeds inside for future generations of plants.


Remove seeds by squeezing the berry into a jar,filled with a little water ~~there is alot of juice~~ I found this an easy way to clean the seeds with less mess. You will find between 2 and 4 seeds (sometimes more) in each seed pouch.

You have two choices, plant them directly outside making sure to plant them under the same conditions they were already growing in. Partial shade with moist soil and place the seed about 1/2 inch deep. These will germinate in the spring. Or give them a start indoors. When growing them inside you must give them a cold period in order to germinate. To simulate this action, place your seed in damp sand, sphagnum moss or vermiculite in a plastic bag and place bag in fridge. After 2 to 3 months remove seed from fridge and plant in seed trays. In spring place the seedlings in a suitable location outside.

These seeds are from my own garden and I do not advocate taking from the wild. Purchase Jack in the Pulpit from a reputable vendor.

High Temperature:
Actual: 8°C mostly cloudy rain 1mm Wind WSW17km/h P.O.P.24%
Average: 17°C
Record: 27°C in 1951

Low Temperature:
Actual: 1°C mostly cloudy Wind W20km/h P.O.P.56%
Average: 6°C
Record: -3°C in 1974