jack-in-the-pulpit

Hooded forest wildflower

Jack-in-the-pulpit is a woodland plant native to eastern North America, recognized by its distinctive flower structure: a hooded spathe (the "pulpit") that curves over a central spadix (the "jack").

The plant produces bright red berries in fall and thrives in shady, moist forest environments.

All parts are toxic if eaten raw due to calcium oxalate crystals.

We spotted several jack-in-the-pulpits along the forest trail.

botany

spathe

Sheath enclosing flower cluster

cormBulblike underground stem base
perennialRecurring each year
wildflowerUncultivated flowering plant

inflorescence · hooded · herbaceous · rhizome · pollination · cultivar · shade-tolerant · variegated · trillium · hellebore

woodland

understory

Forest's lower vegetation tier

deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
shadeDarkness from blocked light
humusDecayed organic soil matter

habitat · ferns · mosses · canopy · ecosystem · flora · biodiversity · native · wildflower · dappled

appearance

hooded

Having a fabric headpiece

stripedHaving contrasting bands
mottledHaving irregular color patches
variegatedMarked with different colors

distinctive · green · purple · curving · veined · showy · unusual · dramatic · sheltered · arching

toxicity

poisonous

Capable of causing death

berriesSmall fleshy fruits
irritantSource of vexation
inedibleUnfit for consumption

toxic · cautionary · harmful · ingestion · burning · crystals · sap · warning · medicinal

folklore

preacher

Religious sermon deliverer

sermonClergy's worship address
parsonProtestant parish minister
namesakeOne sharing another's name

whimsical · anthropomorphic · colonial · Americana · country · rustic · old-fashioned · quaint

jack-in-the-pulpit

spathe

understory

hooded

poisonous

preacher

jack-in-the-pulpit

Opposites

Categories

Family