i have found Jack in the pulpits are very hardy - spread quickly - and transplant well - if you have alot in one spot - you can dig them up and move them - give them to someone etc. etc. i have always done this in the spring when they are little shoots - (they look like little xxxxx)
as for the seeds - i have tried to start some seedlings from cold stratified seeds but they didnt take... the ones i left on the ground did better ... anyone else have other results?

I had poor success planting Jacks from nursery stock (only one of four survived) but I think starting them from seed is going to be more successful.

I read that the seeds will germinate after the fruits decompose, because a chemical in the fruit inhibits germination. So last summer, I cut a ripe red seed head from a friend's garden. I left it in a cool spot outdoors until the fruits started to soften and decompose, then I broke t hem up and scattered them around my woodland garden. This summer I noticed at least a dozen seedlings that look promising -- same 'look' as mature Jack leaflets, but only a single heart-shaped leaf rather than the familiar triple leaf.

Can anyone confirm (or at least encourage) my suspicion that these leaflets are baby Jacks that will be back next spring?

The red berry outer coating needs to be removed before the seed will germinate. It is some type of an inhibitor. Wear gloves of some sort, like disposable gloves and just squeeze the smaller, harder seed out and plant immediately. The outer coating can cause allergic reactions in some. I noticed a red, slightly burning sensation when I touched one after peeling. You should have excellent germination then.

Juvenile JITP's(seedlings) have only a single leaflet for the first and sometimes 2 or 3 years after germination. Once thay mature and have the familiar tripartite leaf, then they should begin to bloom(spathe & spadix). There is usually only male or female parts present on the spadix, but occasionallly both are present, male at the top, female lower, with a seperator. In the majority of plants though, it takes two to tango, m-f, and a vector for pollination, to produce a seed pod.

I can vouch for how easy they transplant. I have taken over 100 from the deeper woods to the front borders of my property. They all do well. I have moved them both spring when I can be sure what they are and in the fall when the red seed head makes them easier to find in the woods. I read they need leaf mold to germinate. The oak leaves stay on the ground all winter so the Jacks love my yard. I just would rather start them in the right place and save the step of moving them later.

I have moved my plants in the fall with great sucess! I also have just tossed the broken up seed heads in the general area of which I have wanted them with very good results! I wish trillium were that easy!!
Julie

Here's some I germinated of the Japanese species A. ringens. At least this one germinates well! PF

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1355037}}

How wonderful to find this thread! I just picked up two JIP seeds heads at a garden swap yesterday -- now I know how to plant them.

Any suggests on the best environment for them?

Somewhat moist part sun to shade location. At least that is where they grow the best on my property.