Jack-in-the-Pulpit leaves and bloom

Another view of foliage and "flower" of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum, native to all Illinois counties. This delicate plant is always a joy when it returns in spring. Shown above is a specimen from a planting over a decade ago; each leaf is nearly 9" long. Needs water and shade to last into summer heat, as well as certain gnats and thrips that pollinate its odd bloom.

For more about Jack-in-the-Pulpit and native plants for the Midwest, especially those that do well in shade/moist areas, see the "book" on this website, Gardening with Native Plants in Shady Evanston.