Description
Jack-in-the-pulpit is one highly variable species in Flora of North America. The height can vary from 20-100 cm, and also the spathe can be entirely green or striped with purple in various degrees. It flowers from May to June. Female plants will form ornamental fruits with red, shiny berries in the fall that are also liked by birds. The sex of the plants it is influenced by the previous growing season, hence following a bad year most plants will be males and not many fruits will be seen around and vice-versa.
A very easy, care free and cute plant; it should be mandatory for any garden. In the wild it grows in natural associations with Trillium, mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)…to mention just a few.
Other uses: Native Americans used the corms as vegetables (only cooked or dried).
Germination: all seeds tried have germinated after a warm period, either started under lights, or directly outdoors in the spring. Variability in the germination pattern is possible though, depending on the location of the mother plants, so in some cases a period of cold/moist stratification may be necessary. Sow the seeds outdoors and be patient. It will take 2-3 years until the first flowers to appear, depending on the growing conditions.
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