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common_nature2025-07-23 12:00 pm
pauraque) wrote in common_nature2025-07-23 12:00 pm
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carnivorous pitcher plant
While hiking in a conserved wetland, I saw an informational sign about native pitcher plants. I had no idea we had these in New England; I always thought of carnivorous plants as a tropical thing. But I took a look around and they were certainly there!
This appears to be Sarracenia purpurea which has a lot of names in English, including Common Pitcher Plant. The specialized leaves form cup-shaped traps with nectar at the bottom that attracts bugs, which can't escape and are digested to provide nutrition for the plant. In this species the traps sit on the ground, and I don't know if I would have noticed them if I hadn't been looking.
The plant's flowers stood out more than the traps. Each blossom droops on a single stalk. The green and pink petals look thick and sturdy.
Once I knew what to look for I could see them scattered all over the bog. It looks idyllic, but it's a horror scene if you're a bug.
This appears to be Sarracenia purpurea which has a lot of names in English, including Common Pitcher Plant. The specialized leaves form cup-shaped traps with nectar at the bottom that attracts bugs, which can't escape and are digested to provide nutrition for the plant. In this species the traps sit on the ground, and I don't know if I would have noticed them if I hadn't been looking.
The plant's flowers stood out more than the traps. Each blossom droops on a single stalk. The green and pink petals look thick and sturdy.
Once I knew what to look for I could see them scattered all over the bog. It looks idyllic, but it's a horror scene if you're a bug.