Gardening with Soule

I have just solved a mystery. I had 3 plants grouped together that were here when we moved in. When they emerged in the spring time I thought they were weeds so I cut them down.  Last year they grew back, again I cut them down.  This year when they sprouted, I decided their determination deserved a chance so I put them in an inconspicuous spot to see how they grew and what kind of flower if any, they had.  Yesterday I was weeding, and when I moved the large leaves to see under them, there was a really funky flower uncurling.  It looks like a calla lily except it is  black (maybe dark purple) with light yellowish green stripes that originate in the center and fan out. It almost resembles a cobra.  I had to hold it open to show the inside because it wants to stay curled like in the picture.  They grow from a tuber, the stalks are purple, the leaves are grouped in threes and the plant is about two feet tall although the stem for the flower is only about 4 inches long.  It is not the most colorful flower, but it is unique, very unusual and beautiful in it’s own way.  Well, after searching the Internet I was able to discover that it is an Arisaema Triphyllum, better known as Jack in the Pulpit. I had never seen this type of flower.  As far as I can tell it is a triphyllum, there are many varieties but this seems to resemble that one the most.  Though it  prefers partial shade and shade, it can tolerate sun as well, so it fits anywhere. It gets a bright red group of berries at the end of summer. I think it is a very tropical looking plant.  I now respect it’s strange beauty and perseverence.   

 Who said you couldn’t teach old gardeners a new trick?

        How strange that Nature does not knock,

      and yet does not intrude!  ~Emily Dickinson