Jack-In-The-Pulpit Postage Stamps (American Wildflower Series, Botanical, Flower, Wedding, Green) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 29c

These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Jack-in-the-Pulpit
• Series: American Wildflower
• Year Issued: 1992
• Face Value: 29 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Botanical, Flowers, Wildflowers, State Flowers, Nature, Watercolor
• Color(s): Green, Multicolored 
• Printing Method: Offset Lithography
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: The 29c Jack-in-the-Pulpit postage stamp was part of the 1992 “American Wildflower" commemorative series, a collection of 50 different stamps celebrating native American flora. The stamp's official first day of issue was July 24, 1992, with its release coinciding with the AmeriFlora '92 International Floral and Garden Exposition in Columbus, Ohio. It features a watercolor painting by Alaskan artist Karen Mallary of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit flower (Arisaema triphyllum), a species also known as Indian Turnip that is native to the eastern U.S.. 

The Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a distinctive perennial wildflower native to the rich, moist, and shady deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. The plant's most notable feature is its unique flower structure, which is said to resemble a preacher in a pulpit. It grows from a starchy, turnip-like corm and typically reaches a height of one to two feet. The "flower" is actually an inflorescence made of two parts: the "pulpit" is a hooded, sheath-like spathe that wraps around the "Jack," a club-like central spadix. The spathe is often green with purple or brown stripes and forms a protective canopy over the tiny, true flowers located on the spadix. An unusual characteristic of this species is its ability to change sex. Younger or smaller plants are typically male, while older, larger plants become female. They can even switch back and forth from year to year depending on growing conditions. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans learned to prepare the plant's corm, often by prolonged cooking or drying, to create a safe, starchy food source, leading to the alternative name "Indian Turnip".

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The spiritual meaning of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit flower is primarily centered on rejuvenation, divine connection, and protection. Its unique appearance, ability to change gender, and historical context contribute to these interpretations. The flower's common name comes from its resemblance to a preacher ("Jack") standing in a pulpit ("spathe"). This visual has led to associations with sacred journeys, faith, and the wisdom of the spiritual realm. Some Native American stories considered the plant a sacred symbol of protection and a harbinger of good fortune. In contemporary flower essence remedies, it is associated with guidance and helping individuals find their path in life.

SERIES HISTORY: The 1992 American Wildflower postage stamp series was a commemorative issue featuring a pane of 50 different 29-cent stamps, with each stamp displaying a unique watercolor illustration of a native U.S. wildflower. The series was released on July 24, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, to coincide with the AmeriFlora '92 international exposition. Alaska-based watercolor artist Karen Mallary designed the artwork and selected the 50 distinct flowers featured in the collection, with at least one stamp/flower representing each of the 50 states. The U.S. Postal Service described the 1992 American Wildflower series as carrying a message of "natural grace and beauty". In dedicating the pane of 50 different stamps, Assistant Postmaster General Gordon Morison stated they would "blanket the postal landscape" and carry the message that "our nation's wildflowers add natural grace and beauty to our lives". 

GUMMED STAMPS: These postage stamps have a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing. Check current postage rates at USPS.com.

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquires are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?  Contact us with questions about vintage postage stamps and our services… 

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.