Despite accumulating a plethora of names, this 2-foot-tall spring wildflower is most well-known as Jack-in-the-pulpit. The smooth flower spike, or "Jack," has a columnar form and sits within a sheath that forms a hood over the flower. Two large, compound leaves on a single stalk help to shelter the flower from the sun. The fleshy stalk and large leaves lend a tropical feel to the plant. Jack-in-the-pulpit is best grown in rich, medium to wet soils in full shade, although it tolerates part shade. It spreads to form colonies by rhizomes and by cormlets sent out from the main root.  This plant is deer resistant due to the presence of calcium oxalate, which is highly poisonous.
 
According to North Carolina State Extension, "the flowering plants initially produce only male flowers but become hermaphroditic as they further age (male flowers on the upper part of spadix and female on the lower part)...This unique plant, which is pollinated by flies and gnats, has the ability to change sex. A plant that starts out as male can spontaneously change to female the next year and vice versa." Most plants become dormant by mid-summer, but mature, hermaphroditic flowering plants will produce a cluster of red berries in mid to late summer. The plant may be propagated by division of the roots, and it benefits from a heavy layer of leaf mulch through the winter. 
 
Native habitats include moist woods and banks of creeks. Use massed or as a specimen in naturalized areas, woodlands, cottage or pollinator gardens.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1-3' tall and 1-2' wide.
 
Requires full or part shade. 
 
Prefers fertile, medium to moist, well-drained soils. Doesn't do well in heavy clay. Tolerates occasional wet conditions.
 
The spadix (Jack)--an erect 3-6" tubular spike with multiple tiny, green to purple flowers--sits within a sheath-like spathe (pulpit), which wraps around the spadix and then opens to form a hood over the top. The outside of the spathe is usually green or purple, and the inside is usually striped purple and greenish white, although variations occur. Bright-red, berry-like fruits display June-October. Each berry contains 1-5 seeds.
 
Green leaf is over 6" long and 1-3" wide and is divided into 3 leaflets.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larve of pink-legged tiger moth. The fruits are eaten by song birds and turtles.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
 
Caution: All parts contain calcium oxalate and are poisonous.
 
Resources:
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arisaema-triphyllum/