Jack-in-the-pulpit
General poisoning notes:
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a native plant found in wet soils in parts of eastern Canada. The plant contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals, as do many other members of the family Araceae. When ingested, these crystals can cause severe pain and burning in the lips, mouth, and throat (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr.
Vernacular name(s): Jack-in-the-pulpit
Scientific family name: Araceae
Vernacular family name: arum
Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr.
Geographic Information
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec.
Toxic parts:
All parts, rhizome
Toxic plant chemicals:
oxalate
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
General symptoms of poisoning:
Salivation.
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting Jack-in-the-pulpit causes a burning sensation, with associated inflammation, edema, and salivation. Treatment includes cool liquids held in the mouth to provide relief. The oxalates are insoluble and do not cause systemic poisoning in plants (Lampe and McCann 1985).
