Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). The plant occurs throughout eastern North America. It contains oxalic acid, making it poisonous if ingested; although if properly dried or cooked it can be eaten as a root vegetable. Native Americans used a preparation of the root for a number of medicinal purposes: primarily to treat sore eyes, but also to treat rheumatism, bronchitis, and snakebites, as well as to induce sterility. Photographed in early Spring in Northern Michigan.