Jack In The Pulpit
  

Family:  Arum - comes from the Arabic word for "fire."

Common Names:   Jack In The Pulpit, Indian Turnip

Habitat:  Damp woods and swamps.  Anywhere it is damp.  By creek bottoms.  Shady areas.

Growing Season:  April-June

Plant Size:  1-2 feet off the ground.

Identification:  Large leaves with a greenish striped funnel, with a flap on the top.  Three leaflets with red berries.  Contains a powerful substance that burns so badly it can cause blisters.

Uses:  Ground into cocoa like flour for chips.  American Indians used the powdered root for flour.  The Indians used it for a cure for headaches too.

History:  Young American Indians had to eat one of the fiery roots before they could enter manhood.  This was dangerous because it can cause enough swelling to suffocate a person.

Folklore:  When two city boys visit the country two country boys tell them to eat the Jack in the Pulpit.  Its fine at first but soon it starts burning.  Milk slightly helps the problem.