Above: A closer look at another plant to be on the lookout for when walking through local woods, including SOLF’s open space preserves. (image cropped from contributed photo)
[This post is part of a special guest series focused on appreciating nature in Southborough, contributed by the Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF), a non-profit dedicated to preserving and stewarding natural resources here in town.]
The unusual and elusive “Jack in the Pulpit” is a delight to come upon in the spring. It is often found under larger plants in moist wooded areas near streams or in floodplains. There are two main parts to the flower; a hooded structure called a spathe and within that is the upright “Jack,” or the spadix. The plant begins as male with only male flowers for the first year or two. It then develops both male and female flowers which are on the spadix, with the male above and the female down below. Insects scamper about doing the pollinating. In the fall, the spadix produces bright red berries containing 3 to 5 seeds which are often dispersed by birds and rodents. The plant typically has two sets of three “leaflets” that look a bit like poison ivy.
Want to learn more about SOLF, or volunteer or donate? Check out our site, we’d love to hear from you.
Debbie Costine, is a SOLF Trustee, artist and curious naturalist
SOLF – Southborough Open Land Foundation
