Scientific Name
Arisaema triphyllum
Common Name
Jack-in-the-pulpit

CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Herbaceous perennial with 1-2 leaves, each divided into 3 leaflets; flowers small, inconspicuous, in an erect, slender spadix surrounded by a green to purplish spathe; fruits scarlet berries.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in moist woods, along creeks; landscape as cultivated herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Irritation and swelling of lips, tongue, and throat.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Roots edible when dried or cooked. HARVEST TIME: Only collect roots from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. Collect roots in early spring. SAFE FOOD HANDLING: CAUTION: Never eat raw -- the roots are intensely bitter and can cause blisters. Wash roots thoroughly with warm water. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Dry for at least six months before eating. Peel, cut into small pieces, roast in the oven for at least one hour and grind into a flour or coffee grinder until quite fine. Add the ground root to bread doughs or muffin batters. Thin slices of the root, dried for 3 months, can be eaten as snacks or with potato-chip dip. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp. Angier, B. 1974. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 255 pp.
Toxic Principle
Calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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