Robin, I think you are probably good on the conditions (shady to part sun). I wouldn't grow this species in standing water, but anything from slightly moist to wet is probably fine. They seem to do well in rich organic "mucky" soil, the same kind of soil you might use for skunk cabbage, false hellebore, marsh marigold, and swamp pink. They will also thrive in a normal woodland garden, even if it has periodic dry periods. They will spread over time but are really slow growers. It can take years from seed to bloom.

Hi zig, Jack in the Pulpit are protected here in MN, tho I don't know why, since they grow in woods from Can to FL. I have them in my garden. We inherited them from the prvious ownwers in 1060. They grow among my clematis, common willow, hosta, impatiens,lilium, etc. receiving mostly indirect morning sun. They thrive on whatever soil was there and have never been fertilized, since we came. They have spread a little, but when they rarely decide they want in a different plants home, they pull out easily--certainly not fast enough to be invasive. Tho, I must admit with great maturity, this happens a wee bit more often-Probably pulled about 3 this year and gave to a neighbor to plant, but then I have three small patches of it. They are a perennial here in zone 4--southern MN and don't flinch at temps of -30. They grow somewhat like an umbrella on bare stems and topped with large leaves at various hts. They eventually get 18"-2'H x 18" W at the end of summer.Flowers bloom in April and May--a spathe from a single leaf, with a stalk in the middle. A leaf-hood folds over the top. A gorgeous bright red seed head about 8" x 2." Jack-in-the-Pulpit stands about 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall. The berrie show best in autumn when the rest of the foliage begins to die. I read that the fresh root can poison, even cause death. I'd be careful if your dog is a digger. I have friens who have had trouble growing. I suspect they are big on fertilizer and JP like poor soil. gramma jan

Wisconsitom: Imagine my hand smacking to my forehead. Of course! We do have deer, but we only see them way at the back of our property, and even that infrequently. They do cross our street sometimes, but about a "block" down or so. There are so many better places so close - hundreds of acres of wooded recreation land. (Which is really cool for us humans, too.) I'm still confused about why it used to be so much more sparse with the woody undergrowth if it's deer, though. I'll read up and see if the deer population has changed in the area. In my recent reading on woodlands, I saw a photo online of a place where folks had fenced off to keep deer out a year or a few before. It was enlightening. As far as wildlife, after I went to bed a few nights ago, my husband heard 2 fishers having a fight or trying to scare each other off right behind our house. If you've ever heard a fisher, you know how disturbing they sound. But I guess I'm happy our woodland and surrounds is supporting all local wildlife. My son & I saw a red spotted newt near the new walkway only a few days after it was installed, and I was so glad things weren't so disrupted it scared everybody away. Queen Gardener - I'd love to start trading. But I feel like I don't have anything useful to trade. I have oodles of seeds (who doesn't?), but a lot of them are getting old. I should have harvested some seeds from the plants I do have so I could get started trading. Next year, I guess. I agree, E-bay does have good prices if you can find the reputable people.

thanks for the info, lisa! can't wait until it reaches 3'! i'm not sure of the age of these. we received them last year from a woman who gardens in queens, and brought them to our house upstate and planted them. at that time, i think they were already dormant? we have three of them --- and they were about one foot tall. in fact, they were hidden by some mayapples. they looked great, though! i'll keep an eye out for the berries. hopefully we'll get some! i just did a google search on "Arisaema"... this will keep me occupied for a quite a bit! thanks for all the info! --robbie--