Jack in the Pulpit

These plants can switch genders throughout their lives in response to growing conditions.

May 14, 2012 | | Notes from the Wild

When I was a boy, I delighted in the discovery of springtime wildflowers – dazzling beauties like dog-toothed violets, trilliums and bloodroot. The wildflower that I cherished the most however was not particularly showy. It was the Jack in the Pulpit.

Jacks don’t announce their presence with colourful petals. Their fanciful green blossoms meld into the riot of green in the springtime woods, making their discovery all the more satisfying.

Among the reasons I loved this wildflower was its name. “Jack in the Pulpit” bestowed a personality on the plant that fired my imagination. The name also invited close inspection of the unique flower – “Jack” sermonizing under the sheltering overhang of his pulpit.

As I grew older I found out more about my cherished Jacks. I discovered that the large Jacks are usually “Jills”, female plants that produce brilliant red fruit in the summer.

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  • More interesting was the discovery that these Jills can become Jacks and then Jills again. These plants can switch genders throughout their lives in response to growing conditions.

    Jack in the Pulpit grows from corms similar to those of crocus. Another one of its common names, Indian turnip, suggests that these may be edible. And in fact, native people did consume the corms, but – and this is a very important but – only after roasting them or drying them for months.

    Such treatment neutralized the oxalic acid crystals that are distributed throughout the plant, reaching dangerously concentrated levels in the corm. The crystals readily pierce soft tissues in the mouth causing an extreme burning sensation.

    I’ve grown Jack in the Pulpits for years and they self-seed modestly. Each year baby Jacks surprise me by appearing in unexpected places, stirring fond memories of long ago springs.

    Jack in the pulpit unfolding Jack in the pulpit Jack in the Pulpit side view Jack in the Pulpit opening Jack in his pulpit Jack berries
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    Jack in the pulpit unfolding

    About the Author More by Don Scallen

    Don Scallen enjoys sharing his love of nature through his writing and presentations. Check out his blog "Notes from the Wild".

    Comments

    1 Comment

    1. I have not seen a ‘jack in the pulpit’ since my Girl Guides days, many years ago.
      How does one ever get Jack in the pulpits started?
      Do you have to first find some in the woods?

      M Watt from Kingston, ON on May 15, 2022 at 10:43 pm | Reply

      • Hello M. Watt,
        Jack in the pulpits remain common woodland wildflowers. A close look at the forest floor at this time of year, especially in moist areas, will reveal them. They are quite noticeable when their bright red fruit is visible in late summer.
        At that time you could harvest some seed and plant it in a shady, moist part of your garden. You may get some results from that. Or, better perhaps, you can find a native plant nursery that sells Jacks. There are likely a few Ontario nurseries that offer them.
        Hope this helps!
        Don Scallen

        Valerie on May 16, 2022 at 10:34 am | Reply

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