Japanese Jack-in-the-pulpit is an herbaceous flowering plant in the aroid family (Araceae) native to the island of Shikoku in Japan and found in shady, moist woodland sites. The species epithet is Latin for "of Shikoku." This plant grows 1.5 to 2 feet tall and wide in hummus-rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It is best grown from corms, as plants grown from seed can take 3 to 5 years to bloom. Plant corms 3 to 4 inches deep and leave them undisturbed once established. The inflorescence is comprised of a spathe, which is a sheathing bract that is dark purple on the outside and white on the inside, and a spadix, which is an unbranched spike of tiny flowers. The spadix is swollen and white, surrounded by the spathe. Blooming occurs in spring. It is the showiest of the plants in the group. The flower may be followed by a cone of red berries in summer. Use Japanese Jack-in-the-pulpit in a woodland garden, in shade to partial shade, along with other shade-loving plants, as it will go dormant in mid- to late-summer. Use in a cottage or Asian garden theme or in a container. Some people may experience a mild dermatitis when handling the plant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for slugs and vine weevils. More information on Arisaema .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Leaf margin
Lobed
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The stem arising from the corms produces a pair of 5-lobed leaves, some of which may have red markings
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; White
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
> 6 inches
Flower detail
The inflorescence is a spadix up to 8 inches long ans swollen at the apex. It is surrounded by the spathe that is dark purple on the outside and pure white on the inside and a large striped hood of purple, green and white. Bloom time is spring
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit detail
The spathe may produce a dense cone of red berries in summer to fall