# Presentation: 316891

## Jack in the pulpitArisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott Synonyms: A. artrorubens, A. stewardsonii A. triphyllum, Arum atrorubens.  Other common names:  Indian turnip, Indian onion, wild turnip, marsh turnip, swamp turnip, meadow turnip, pepper turnip, wild pepper, bog onion,  arum, American arum, three-leaved arum, wake robin, American wake robin, dragon turnip, dragon root, brown dragon, devil’s ear, memory root, priest’s-pintle, lords-and-ladies, starch plant, starchwort, aronknolle. 

**FOOD:**
- This plant is poisonous.  It contains calcium oxylate raphide crystals.  If eaten raw victims say it feels like needles being stuck into their lips, tongue, mouth and throat.  It can only be used for food after it has been boiled and thoroughly dried, preferably dried for a few months.  Inflammation, edema and excessive salivation are all secondary symptoms.
- The corm (root) is shaped like a turnip.  After boiling for an extended period of time the corms were often sliced very thin and dried for a few months.  They were then eaten like potato chips, crumbled into cereals or ground into a flour for making biscuits, breads and cakes.

- Photo courtesy of: ©Thomas G. Barnes. This copyrighted image may be freely used for any non-commercial purpose. For commercial use please contact _[Thomas G. Barnes](mailto:tbarnes@uky.edu)_. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated: **Thomas G. Barnes** @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

- Slide developed by Pat Broyles, Soil Conservationist, Manhattan, KS. PMC.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

## Jack in the pulpit

**MEDICINAL:**
- The Cherokees made a poultice from this plant and used it to treat headaches, snake bites, various skin diseases and open sores.  Made into an ointment it was used as a liniment for joint aches and muscle pains.  It was also applied to treat for ringworm, tetterworm, open sores and boils.  Made into a tea it was drunk to act as a stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic, carminative and to stop colds and coughs.
- The Chipewas made a poultice to relieve sore eyes.
- Some northern U.S. tribes used the plant to induce temporary sterility.  A mixture of dried, pulverized milkweed and 3 of these plant rhizomes were boiled in a pint of water for 20 minutes and then drunk.
**CULTURALLY:**
- The bright red berries were boiled and the liquid used as a clothing dye.
- The Pawnees would put the seeds into empty gourd shells and make rattles.
- Colonialists used starch from the roots as a stiffener for clothes.  This starch is very caustic and caused blisters and swellings.

- Photo courtesy of: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. *Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species*. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester, PA. Courtesy of _[USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute](http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/WLI/)_. This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated: **Robert H. Mohlenbrock** @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / **USDA NRCS. 1995. *****Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species*****. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester, PA.**

- Slide developed by Pat Broyles, Soil Conservationist, Manhattan, KS. PMC.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer.