Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Other Names

Indian Turnip [Sic]

Habitat

Wildlife Value

Pollinating insects
Wild Turkey

Native?

Related Sites

MN DNR: Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Ground Ivy |William O'Brien State Park | View Enlarged Image

The photograph at left is of a Jack-in-the-Pulpit found at William O'Brien State Park in August of 2002. Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a native, prairie-friendly species that is a favorite of local gardeners.The bright red berries appear in late summer and early autumn.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit has many common names, and is known as an Indian Turnip or Wild Turnip, as Native Americans gathered its roots. The roots were very useful in curing headaches, and could be dried, sliced, and eaten like potato chips, or crushed and used as a sort of flour in their bread. It was supposed to taste rather like cocoa powder.

It should be noted that the root, or corm, contains calcium oxalate, which is quite poisonous, and can result in death. Native Americans had to dry it for six months and then roast it. This process sapped the poison out of the corm, making it edible

Multimedia:

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