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Northern Pitcher-plant (Purple Pitcher-plant)
Sarracenia purpurea
This is a carnivorous plant. Insects become trapped in the pitcher-like leaves. The insects are then digested, and the nutrients used by the plants.
• Family: Pitcher Plant (Sarraceniaceae)
• Habitat: sphagnum bogs
• Height: 8-24 inches
• Flower size: 2 inches across
• Flower color: dark red
• Flowering time: May to July
• Origin: native
The flowers quickly lose their petals, but the sepals and umbrella-like style (on the right) last much longer. |
The leaves are modified into pitchers. The inner surface is covered with downward-pointing hairs, which make it difficult for insects to crawl out of the pitcher. |