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Venus flytrap

How to identify Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Venus flytrap, also known as Meadow clams, Tippity twitchet

Venus flytrap exhibits a striking and distinctive appearance, characterized by hinged, jaw-like leaves that are edged with long, eyelash-like protrusions. This remarkable adaptation serves a functional purpose in the plant's unique carnivorous diet. Each leaf bears two lobes which form a trap that is capable of rapid closure when triggered. The inner surfaces of these lobes are brightly colored, often displaying a vivid red or pink hue, which contrasts sharply against the green of the rest of the leaf. Typically growing in clusters, this plant reaches a modest size, generally not exceeding 6 inches (15 cm) in height and spread.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Venus flytrap

1

Lobed leaves with eyelash-like protrusions, capable of rapid closure for trapping prey.

2

Brightly colored inner leaf surfaces, often red or pink, contrasting with green exterior.

3

White cup-shaped flowers with 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 10-12 stamens in May-June.

4

Dehiscent, green to brown capsules with small black seeds, splitting along three sutures.

5

Low-growing rosette of bristly leaves ending in hinged trap structures, up to 5 inches long.

Venus flytrapVenus flytrapVenus flytrapVenus flytrapVenus flytrap

Detailed Traits of Venus flytrap

Leaf Features

The leaves of venus flytrap are 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long and form a low-growing basal rosette of up to 8 bristly leaves. Each leaf ends in a trap comprised of two hinged lobes with bristly edges. The inner surface of the trap varies from rich, dark red to green, influenced by sunlight exposure. These modified leaves trap insects, using nectar to lure them inside. Key features include the bristly texture and the hinged, lobed structure.

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Basal

Leaf Texture

Succulent/Fleshy

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Flower Features

The flowers of venus flytrap appear in clusters atop a 4-12 inch (10-30 cm) leafless stalk in May and June. Each 0.7-inch (1.8 cm) bloom is white and cup-shaped, featuring 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 10-12 stamens. This configuration, combined with the distinct blooming period, helps identify the species.

Venus flytrap Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Umbel

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Fruit Features

The fruit of venus flytrap is a dehiscent capsule, typically bearing a modest number of seeds. At maturity, these capsules are green to brown, providing a camouflage among the surrounding foliage. When ready, they split open along three sutures to release seeds for dispersal. Each seed is diminutive and black, offering a stark contrast to its capsule. On average, the capsules are about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, a size that is relatively small, reflecting the minimalist nature of venus flytrap's fruiting habit.

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Key Facts About Venus flytrap

Attributes of Venus flytrap
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 15 cm
Spread
15 cm to 20 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Red
Yellow
Gold
Flower Size
3 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Black
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Scientific Classification of Venus flytrap

Family
Sundew
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Species
Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Learn More About the Venus flytrap

Distribution Map of Venus flytrap

Venus flytrap is native to subtropical wetlands on the East Coast of a major North American region. Outside its native range, venus flytrap has been introduced into temperate areas of the European continent and in parts of a major region in the Caribbean. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental carnivorous plant.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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