Do You Know Jack?

Jack-in-the-Pulpit, that is. Also known as a bog onion, brown dragon, Indian turnip, wake robin or wild turnip (Arisaema triphyllum) is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a corm. It is a highly variable species typically growing from 30 to 65 cm in height with three parted leaves and flowers contained in a spadix that is covered by a hood. It is native to eastern North America, occurring in moist woodlands and thickets

The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals as raphides in all parts, and because of this consumption of the raw plant material results in a powerful burning sensation. It can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive system, and on rare occasions the swelling of the mouth and throat may be severe enough to affect breathing. If the plant is properly dried or cooked it can be eaten as a root vegetable. A preparation of the root was reported to have been used by Native Americans as a treatment for sore eyes. Preparations were also made to treat rheumatism, bronchitis, and snakebites, as well as to induce sterility.

These Jack-in-the-Pulpit wild flowers were photographed in Erie, Pennsylvania along Four-Mile Creek in Harborcreek Township's Wintergreen Gorge.