Jack-in-the-pulpit, Dragon root, Indian turnip
Arisaema atrorubens

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60-90 cm high. It has a thick root. The leaves are compound and usually have 3 leaflets. There are 2 leaves on each flower stalk. The flowers grow at the base of the club shaped flower spike. The fruit are bright red berries.

There are about 150-170 Arisaema species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in rich woods, thickets and swamps.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The corms must be cooked to remove the oxalate then they can be ground into flour. They can be stewed or fried. The fruit have also been boiled with meat. They are also used for jams, jellies or preserves.

Edible parts

Corms, fruit, root

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds. These are easy to transplant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alocasia atrorubens (Aiton) Raf.; Arum atrorubens Aiton; and many others