Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Size: 1-3 ft. H X 1-2 ft. W
Flower: Blooms in spring; green to purple-striped spathe (hoodlike leaf) that forms the "pulpit" encloses the erect, cylindrical fleshy spadix ("Jack"); the base of the spadix is surrounded by tiny flowers either all male or all female
Leaf: Generally 2 compound leaves, each divided into 3 (sometimes 5) leaflets
Fruit: A tight cluster of berries at the base of the spadix; by fall the berries turn bright red
Special Attributes: Because of its unique appearance, it is one of our most loved wildflowers; the corm is filled with a chemical (calcium oxalate) that keeps small mammals away
Natural Habitat: Rich, moist woods; streambanks
Cultural Notes: Incorporate large amounts of humus into the planting bed; thrives with plenty of moisture
Propagation: Division; to propagate by seed, remove the red material from around the seeds and sow promptly outside