Jack and Solomon

Jack-in-the-pulpit in the first two photos and Solomon's seal in the last two.

Jack-in-the-pulpit is a stemless plant, 8 inches to 2 feet tall, that grows in the woods. It has one or two long-stalked, 3-parted slick and shiny leaves; and at the tip of its flowerstalk, which is not quite as long as the leaves, it has a peculiar flowering structure, tinted shades of green, greenish-white, and purple.

The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in all parts, and because of this consumption of the raw plant material results in a powerful burning sensation. It can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive system, and on rare occasions the swelling of the mouth and throat may be severe enough to affect breathing. Cattle should not be allowed to forage where Jack-in-the-pulpits is among the few green things growing.

If the plant is properly dried or cooked it can be eaten as a root vegetable.
A preparation of the root was reported to have been used by Indians as a treatment for sore eyes. Preparations were also made to treat bronchitis, rheumatism, and snakebites, as well as to induce sterility

Solomon's seal is a perennial native herb found growing in moist sandy, loamy or rocky woods and thickets. Stems grow to a height of from 18 inches to 2 feet, or even more and bend over gracefully. Large, light green, and broad ovate leaves grow alternately on the stem, clasping it at the bases. Flowers bloom April to June.

The dried herb is supposedly a laxative and restorative, and is good in inflammations of the stomach, indigestion, profuse menstruation, lung ailments, general debility, bowels, piles, and chronic dysentery. A medicinal poultice of the fresh roots is said to fade bruises, also applied to cuts and sores.