Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis

Venus' Flytrap

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Venus’ Flytrap is an introduced herbaceous perennial in the Sundew family (Droseraceae). It is native to the outer Coastal Plain of North and South Carolina, and has been introduced in Alabama, California, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington State. In Alabama it has been collected from Baldwin County. Venus’ Flytrap grows in pitcher plant bogs, seeps, wet pine savannas, and wet roadside ditches. It is a perennial from a bulbous base surrounded by the expanded bases of the petioles. Leaves are in basal rosettes, petiolate, the petioles winged. The leaf blade consists of two hinged lobes that are sub-reniform in outline, with large bristles along the margins. The upper surface of the leaf blades have 3 trigger hairs that cause the lobes to snap shut on prey when stimulated. The leaves may be entirely green, orange or maroon red on the upper surface of the blade, or entirely reddish in color. Leaf color is determined by genetics and light exposure, with plants in bright light tending to develop more red color. Flowers are produced in umbel-like cymes. Each flower has 5 white petals and 15-20 stamens. The fruit is a capsule. Venus’ Flytrap is readily available in the nursery trade. Venus’ Flytrap requires a moist sandy or peaty soil and full sun. Plants should not be allowed to dry out during the growing season. Venus’ Flytrap, like the related Sundews, is a carnivorous plant that attracts, catches, and digests small arthropods. Some prefer to use the term “insectivorous” to more accurately describe these plants. The nutrients, especially nitrogen, from the prey are absorbed and supplement nutrients available in the poor, acidic soils where these plants grow. While the addition of these nutrients aid plants in the wild, cultivated plants are able to thrive without the addition of prey. There is no need to “feed” your plant, and too many prey items can actually harm the plant. Venus’ Flytrap is an fascinating plant and can be grown in bog gardens

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Not Native

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