Jack-in-the-Pulpit, flowers seed , shade loving

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), also called bog onion, is an unusual perennial wildflower with a hooded striped spathe surrounding a tiny flower. Sparkling berries catch visual interest throughout the seasons in a shade garden. The plant thrives in the shade and even better in deep shade that mimics its native damp forest-like habitat. The plant is mesmerizing to watch but its also highly toxic to humans and animals
 Jack in the Pulpit grows wild in woodland and marsh areas and sends up its unique hooded flower in the spring. Though Native American tribes gathered and boiled the fleshy roots as a vegetable, eating the root raw causes a sensation similar to swallowing a mouthful of glass shards.

This sensation is caused by the calcium oxalate crystals in the plant, which protect it from predatory animals. The faint odor, however, attracts pollinating insects to the flowering spadix, or “Jack.” In spite of its repellent aspects, early Americans found many uses for this plant, including making poultices to reduce inflammation or grinding the dried roots for flour or starch.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Germination: To break its dormancy this seed needs a period of cold moisture, a period of warm moisture, followed by another period of cold moisture. Mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days, then move it to a 70-75 degrees F location for 30-60 days, followed by another 30-60 day period in the refrigerator before planting. To accomplish this naturally, simply plant the seed in late fall and wait until the second spring after planting for germination. In late fall or early spring, direct sow the treated seed 1/4" deep and 12-15” apart in rich, moist soil. Germination should take place within 14-20 days. This plant grows best in moist soil and dappled shade.