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The Shade Loving Plant That Can Trap Fungus Gnats
By KATE NICHOLSON
The fascinating Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a perennial essential for shade and rain gardens. Able to live up to a century, the plant's lifecycle has a lengthy underground phase.
Male flowers emerge first, usually after five years, followed by females a few years later. Despite slow growth, Jack-in-the-Pulpit thrives in the wild and gardens.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit is known for attracting and trapping fungus gnats for pollination. You can collect Jack seeds in late fall — just wear gloves.
Stratify the seeds by placing them in the fridge in a sealed container with damp potting mix for 2-3 months. The plant is also called Indian turnip, bog onion, and brown dragon.
Choose the right planting conditions and assess your garden's suitability in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, with deciduous tree shade, ample water, and fertile, well-draining soil.