Crosswinds Marsh: A to Z

(Jack In The Pulpit)

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a fascinating perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America, often found in moist woodlands, swamps, and shaded areas. This distinctive plant is characterized by its unique inflorescence structure, consisting of a hooded spathe that encloses a spadix, where small, greenish flowers are clustered. The spathe is often striped or mottled with purple or brown, adding to the plant's visual appeal. Jack-in-the-pulpit typically blooms in spring, attracting pollinators such as flies and beetles with its unusual floral display.

Jack-in-the-pulpit begins as a single leaf emerging from an underground corm in early spring. The leaf is typically trifoliate and resembles a small umbrella. As the plant matures, it may produce a single inflorescence, which emerges alongside the leaf. The spathe gradually unfurls to reveal the spadix, where pollination occurs. Following pollination, the plant produces clusters of bright red berries, which are dispersed by birds and mammals. After flowering and fruiting, the plant goes dormant for the winter, with the underground corm serving as a storage organ to sustain the plant until the following spring. Jack-in-the-pulpit's unique morphology and lifecycle make it a captivating and important component of eastern North American woodland ecosystems.

The Cache: This cache is one of twenty-six that were placed for the 2024 Naturefest. The series focuses on the flora, fauna, creatures, and insects that can be found in Croswinds Marsh. This cache is a small lock and lock style container hidden along the Bald Eagle trail

It has been placed with the permission of Wayne County Parks. A permit has been submitted and is on file at the park office.

Crosswinds Marsh Rules
No fires
No bikes / ATVs / personal watercraft
No swimming or ice fishing
Dogs must be leashed
No alcohol or illegal substances
No camping
Fishing in designated areas only
Collecting of plants & animals prohibited
Park only at N 42° 05.744' W 83° 26.552'
All Geocachers must follow the above rules.
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is FREE.

The Crosswinds Cache Crew pledge to develop and maintain quality and interesting geocaches in the Marsh consistent with Geocaching and Wayne County Parks rules and permit process.