Túyastĭ΄ (Jack-in-the-pulpit)

At NRFF, we celebrate all plants and all people. And we’re ending this Pride month by recognizing Túyastĭ΄ (Cherokee), or Jack-in-the-pulpit. 🌈 

Plants can change gender. It’s natural.

Most young Túyastĭ΄ plants are male and produce pollen. Producing pollen doesn’t take up a lot of energy, so the plant can store extra sugar in its corm. 

When Túyastĭ΄ plants have matured, stored a sufficient amount of energy, and conditions are right, they produce a female flower. But when the flower is pollinated and forms berries, that energy is drained. After one season as female, the plant may revert back to male the following year and only produce pollen. 

Indigenous woodland communities were familiar with Túyastĭ΄, even though it’s extremely toxic. ☠️ The Cherokee treated headaches with a poultice from Túyastĭ΄ roots. The Mohegan steeped dried Jack-in-the-pulpit roots in oil and rubbed the liquid on the body to reduce pain.

Túyastĭ΄ is a reminder that gender fluidity is natural. 

*Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a doctor before using this plant for a medical purpose.

References: Chicago Botanic Garden, Minnesota Wildflowers, Highlands Biological Station, Northern Woodlands Magazine, St. Olaf College, Folk Medicine of the Delaware and Related Algonkian Indians by Gladys Tantaquidgeon  📷 @mtcubacenter