How much sun does Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit need?

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit bloom?

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit blooms in April and May.

Where is Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit native?

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema pusillum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit attract?

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit draws beetles.

Is Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit HOA-friendly?

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arisaema pusillum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema pusillum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states

Pollinators

beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Small Jack-in-the-pulpit produces distinctive hooded flowers in spring before developing compound leaves. This diminutive woodland native goes completely dormant by midsummer, disappearing until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Completely disappears by midsummer leaving bare spots
Unusual flower form may appear weedy to neighbors
Very small size makes it nearly invisible in landscape

Wildlife value

Attracts beetles for pollination and produces red berries that feed birds and small mammals in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit need?: Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit bloom?: Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit blooms in April and May.
Where is Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit native?: Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema pusillum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit attract?: Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit draws beetles.
Is Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit HOA-friendly?: Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Small Jack-In-The-Pulpit? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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