Jack In The Pulpit...and Ultrarunning

Continuing yesterday's flowery post, this photo comes from my yard, where we have a plethora of Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) plants, all native and naturally-occurring on the property:

[image credit Gary]

 

 

This is the fruit as seen in late September here in southern PA.  It's a stunning unmistakable red, about 3-4 inches in height.

 

The plant and flower are pretty plain green, nothing showy, so the plant is obviously saving up all its goodies for the fruit.  Here's the plant, which illustrates the "pulpit" arrangement from whence the plant derives its name:

[image credit Connecticut Botanical Society]

 

 

I lied--there's no special connection to Ultrarunning.  This plant likes open, moist woodlands; it definitely does not favor dry uplands or ridegtop trails.  So while, say, on the Appalachian or Tuscarora Trail you might encounter it when you drop off the ridges to the hollows and valleys.