Purple Pitcher-Plant (Sarracenia purpurea) Linnaeus 1753

 

Synonyms: Northern Pitcher Plant, Northern Pitcherplant, Purple Pitcherplant

 

 

Sarracenia purpurea is the most common and broadly distributed pitcher-plant, and the only member of the genus that inhabits northern environments. Purple Pitcher-Plant occurs in central and eastern Canada (west of the Rocky Mountains), eastern and southeastern United States, although its distribution south of the Great Lakes is patchy.  The species was introduced in northern California and Ireland. Sarracenia purpurea grows in peat bogs, mineral fens, wet prairies and meadows.

Like other species of Sarracenia, S. purpurea is a carnivorous plant which obtains most of its nutrients through prey capture. Prey falls into the pitchers (modified leaves) and drowns in the rainwater that collects in the base of each pitcher. Prey items are then digested by an invertebrate community and bacteria, making nutrients available to the plant.

 

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