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Jacks This woodland botanical done in pastel on acid-free, black velvet art board began as a composite sketch from several photos. One of which was by Peg Kay of Falls Church VA, a talented amateur photographer who also happens to be the webmaster for this site. A striking native wildflower, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum, is a perennial found in moist woodlands and thickets from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to southern Florida. This highly variable species has three-part leaves that are often mistaken for poison ivy and very curious flowers. From April to June, the green to purple to white spathe (known in this plant as "the pulpit") wraps around and folds over a spadix (the "Jack") covered by tiny flowers of both sexes. After flowering, smooth, shiny green, wide berries cluster on the thickened spadix and ripen in late summer turning a bright red color before the plants go dormant. Caution, the plant contains toxic calcium oxalate crystals in all parts that if eaten can irritate the mouth and digestive system, sometimes resulting in death. Native Americans purportedly used the root as a treatment for sore eyes, rheumatism, bronchitis, and snakebites, as well as to induce sterility. The original pastel, presented in a 2.5" wide green, black, and brown wooden frame (double matted in an acid-free asparagus suede mat on eggplant; outer dimension 16" x 18"), is available for $1,275.00. Limited edition prints and note cards are also available. |
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