Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
I'm partial to the Name
It's common name describes it so well.
It practically jumps up in the spring, and it's very neat, and unique presentation really does look like some body preaching from a pulpit. It has distinctive foliage and a bonus of bright, shiny red berries in the fall. Being in a shady location, these berries really stand out!
Also, it has a history, a human side; the plant was used by native Americans (and early settlers) for a variety of medicinal applications, and the corm can be eaten (if first boiled or baked, which neutralizes the calcium oxalate reactivity).
Always a conversation piece.
(there's better pictures in the database, linked above).
(there's better pictures in the database, linked above).
