Nature lovers, have you ever come across the Jack-in-the-pulpit during a walk in the forest? If so, there’s a good chance you were in a maple forest, where this native understory plant of Eastern Canada reveals its unique beauty.
This fascinating plant inspired André, the father of Audrey—co-owner of Vert Forêt Nursery—to share and to help preserve it. With a strong commitment to biodiversity in maple forests, he began growing Jack-in-the-pulpit from seed.
This species requires patience—it took three years to produce his first mature plants. But the reward is worth it, with a lifespan of 50 years or more. We’ve summarized André’s project in this short video.
Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable native plant. Understanding its ecological traits will help you appreciate its role in Eastern Canada’s forests—and successfully integrate it into your own landscape.
An Intriguing Perennial of Eastern Canada’s Maple Forests
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) gets its name from the shape of its flower, which resembles a preacher standing in a pulpit. The image below helps illustrate this resemblance.
Image sources: left, Flickr.com; right, Décoder les églises et les châteaux
What appears to be a single flower is actually an inflorescence—a group of flowers. It consists of a central structure called a spadix, surrounded by a striped purple-and-green leaf known as a spathe.
The true flowers are small and hidden along the spadix. As the spathe fades, bright red berries appear in late summer and fall. These fruits attract birds and wildlife—but all parts of the plant are toxic to humans.
The Sexuality of Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Like some other woodland species, Jack-in-the-pulpit is dioecious, meaning individual plants produce either male or female flowers.
Interestingly, it can change sex over time.
In its early years, the plant focuses on growth and energy storage in underground structures called corms, and does not flower.
The first flowers are typically male, as they require less energy. As the plant builds up energy reserves, it can later produce female flowers.
Female plants tend to be taller—up to 1 metre—while male plants remain smaller. If growing conditions decline, the plant may revert to male flowers in later years.
How to Identify Jack-in-the-Pulpit in the Wild
You’ll most often find this plant in shaded forest understories, especially in maple stands, in moist soils or near wetlands and lakes—always protected from direct sunlight.
Each plant produces two compound leaves, each divided into three leaflets. The petioles range from 20 to 100 cm in height.
Flowering occurs from May to June. The plant can be easy to miss, as the spathe often blends into surrounding vegetation.
Late summer is the easiest time to identify it, thanks to its bright red berries. At this stage, the leaves begin to fade, making the fruit more visible.
Be cautious—its three-leaflet leaves can resemble poison ivy when flowers or fruits are absent.
How to Grow Jack-in-the-Pulpit in Your Garden
Interested in adding this unique native plant to your landscape? Here are our tips for success.
Where to Plant
Plant it at the base of trees or near a water feature, in partial to full shade. It thrives in rich, organic, slightly acidic soil that stays consistently moist but well-drained.
How to Plant
Improve soil with compost if needed.
Recommended spacing: 30 cm between plants
- In fall, plant the corm 5–8 cm deep, with the pointed tip facing upward. Water thoroughly.
Corms remain dormant through winter and will emerge the following spring.
- In spring, plant as you would other perennials.
Care Tips
- Water during dry periods to keep soil consistently moist;
- Apply leaf mulch in fall to improve soil structure and support long-term growth.
A Plant That Reflects Our Commitment
Jack-in-the-pulpit reflects our commitment at ArbresEnLigne.com to biodiversity and the integration of native plants into our landscapes.
By choosing native species, you help protect local ecosystems while creating a landscape that is both resilient and meaningful.
Protecting Jack-in-the-Pulpit in the Wild
Although not currently at risk, this plant grows slowly and should never be harvested from the wild. Always choose nursery-grown plants.
We sincerely thank André for his dedication to preserving woodland species.
Article co-written by Audrey Rondeau, Biol., M.Env., and Suzanne Simard, horticultural writer and technologist.
References
Jack-in-the-pulpit – Wildflowers of Quebec. Accessed October 11, 2024, at the following address: https://www.fleursduquebec.com/encyclopedie/1775-ariseme-petit-precheur.html
Gaudette, R. (2020). Native Araceae plants – Friends of the Montreal Botanical Garden. Quatre-Temps, 44(1), 65‑70.
