Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): green Minnesota wildflowers

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Plant Info
Also known as:	Indian Turnip
Scientific name:	Arisaema triphyllum
Family:	Arum (Araceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	shade; moist woods
Bloom season:	spring
Plant height:	1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Battle Creek Regional Park

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Flower:: Flower is 3 to 4 inches tall and about 2 inches across, made up of a 2 to 3 inch long club (the “Jack”, or spadix) sitting in a tubular base with a hood (the “pulpit”, or spathe). The Jack is light green to reddish green. The pulpit is light green to purplish green and often dotted with white or purplish stripes. Separate male and female flowers are hidden from view on the lower part of the Jack inside the tube.
Leaves:: 1 or 2 sets (male has 1, female 2) of compound leaves with 3 leaflets; each leaflet is up to 7 inches long and 3 inches across, generally oval with a pointed tip. The middle leaflet is generally larger than the side 2. The leaves can tower over the flower and hide it from view.
The vein pattern is unique in that there is a continuous vein around the edge of the leaf, creating a border effect. The leaf edges are a bit wavy but otherwise smooth.
Notes:: Jack-in-the-Pulpit has both male and female plants, though some plants are unisex and they can change gender.

More green wildflowers. Photos taken at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN, May 2007

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?