Tag Archives: Arisaema triphyllum

Autumn’s berries

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Even though the temperatures last week got into the 80s, summer is becoming a memory and autumn is now bursting with color. As I walk through the woods, the green undergrowth that was full of colorful flowers in the spring is now mostly green with bright red berries randomly peeking through. It is always thrilling for me to come upon the fruits of spring’s flowers. Most people focus on the obvious change in leaves, but it’s the tiny red orbs hidden along the forest floor that remind me it is autumn.

It is always exciting to come across Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) whether it is in bloom or fruiting. It’s hard to miss its bright red cluster of berries.

Fruiting Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Fruiting Jack-in-the-Pulpit

During the spring, this one looks very similar to Solomon’s seal but now with the red berries hanging at the end of its stem, it is clearly not. Some call it False Solomon’s Seal but I prefer Showy Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa) a much more provocative and deserving moniker.

Fruiting Showy Solomon Seal

Fruiting Showy Solomon Seal

I love the way Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) carpets the forest floor. Repens is Latin for creeping, which speaks to its non-climbing vine. Ruffed grouse enjoy the berries, hence the name Partridgeberry. The red berries are edible but rather tasteless, although good as a snack while hiking along the trail.

Patridgeberry

Patridgeberry

What reminds you of autumn? Please share and I will continue to share.

Back to the woods

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I love visiting the woods throughout the seasons, investigating what new flowers are blooming and what fruits have ripened. A couple of mornings ago, I visited one of my favorite places, Upper Buttermilk Falls. Once Mathew is in school, I visit it often, since it is just a mile away from the school and a lovely hike with gorges, waterfalls and chock full of biodiversity. Almost every time I visit I see something new.

On my last hike, I came across several fruiting plants that I had the pleasure of seeing earlier in the year while they were in bloom.

jack in the pulpit fruitIt is always thrilling to come across Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) whether it is in bloom or fruiting. It’s hard to miss its bright red clutter of berries.

doll eyesI find the fruit of the White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) or better known as Doll’s Eyes rather interesting and creepy. The berries contain cardiogenic toxins, when eaten raw, your cardiac muscles will quickly become sedated and you know what happens when your heart stops beating – cardiac arrest (ie: death). Now that’s pretty creepy. I think it is best to leave them for the birds since they enjoy them with no ill affect.

LobeliaI love coming across Great lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) in the forest. Its deep bright periwinkle blossoms are always a welcome sight among the green background of the early fall forest. Lobelia is one of the forest plants that have become commonplace in cultivated gardens, we even had it in our wedding flower arrangements. Lobelia is useful for serious respiratory problems as it is a powerful antispasmodic, relaxing the chest and opens constricted bronchial passages, therefore great for asthma and bronchitis. It is very powerful and should only be taken in very small dosages to begin with as it has varying effects on different people. Another name for it is pukeweed as it can induce vomiting in some people. Lobelia is on the United Plant Savers “to watch” list, so please do not pick it, just enjoy it’s beautiful blossoms.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.