Jack or Jill in the Pulpit

This odd spring of early warmth followed by a return to winter seems to have been to the advantage of some, the detriment of other wildflowers and trees.

Jack here is doing rather well down along Nameless Creek, the “spathe and spadix” of the odd flower coming up conspicuously before the taller three-parted leaves unfurl to shade the sex-conflicted plant. Seems I remember it starts out as Jack and in later years, becomes Jill–depending on which parts of the central shaft develops.

While I’ve been places that had both, our place lacks the green striped variety and we have exclusively the maroon striped, more showy version I like better anyway. I’ll be lying face down in the meadow again soon, though this shot will do for starters. I’d like one with a bit more mystery and GeorgiaOkeefe-ness to it eventually–to bring out the dark sexy side of this lovely form.

And by the way, while you may be tempted to cook up a mess of “Indian Turnips” as the plant is also called, don’t.

It’s stem and root contains calcium oxalate crystals that will lodge in your lips, mouth and throat like so many tiny needles. How do I know the sensation? Well, there’s another story.