How to identify Sweet pitcherplant (Sarracenia rubra)

Photo By Ryan Somma , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Sweet pitcherplant (Sarracenia rubra)

Sweet pitcherplant, also known as Red pitcherplant

Sweet pitcherplant displays clump growth, forming lush rosettes. Its specialized leaves metamorphose into hollow conical pitchers, reaching heights of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) and are adorned with downward facing hairs and a protective hood. These green to copper-toned leaves feature distinctive red veining. Unique flowers emerge as upside-down umbrellas atop elongated stalks in spring, with protracted red petals. Mature plants release seeds from brown pods, and spread predominantly through subterranean rhizomes.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Sweet pitcherplant

Conical pitchers with red veining, reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall.

Upside-down red-maroon flowers on 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) stalks from April to June.

Distinctive five-parted seed capsule, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long, releasing black seeds.

Narrow, marbled brown and green pitchers with lid, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall.

Summer leaves metamorphose into pitchers, winter leaves are slender and linear.

Detailed Traits of Sweet pitcherplant

Leaf Features

Leaves of sweet pitcherplant are modified into upright, slender, narrow pitchers measuring 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) tall. They are green with heavy veining and a marbled reddish-brown top. The tube opening is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, shielded by a horizontal, arching lid. In warmer winters, the species may also produce slender, linear winter leaves. The pitchers are particularly robust in the summer.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of sweet pitcherplant are distinguished by their striking red-maroon color. Each flower has five long, strap-like petals that hang downwards around an umbrella-like style. The flowers grow singly on leafless, crooked stalks that reach the same height as mature pitchers, typically about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). The flowers bloom from April to June, adding a vibrant touch to the surrounding habitat.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of sweet pitcherplant is notably a distinctive five-parted seed capsule. Upon reaching maturity, the seed capsule presents a dry, dehiscent form, typically splitting open to release its seeds. It possesses a greenish hue that transitions to brown as it dries and ages. Each of the capsule segments may contain numerous small, black seeds. The surface texture of the capsule graduates from a smooth to a slightly wrinkled appearance over time. This capsule measures approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in length, revealing its seeds upon maturation for dispersal.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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