Purple Pitcherplant
Sarracenia purpurea
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Photo by and (c)2014 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Sarraceniaceae
- Genus:
- Sarracenia
- Species:
- Sarracenia purpurea
- USDA Symbol:
- SAPU4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, red, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
black-headed pitcher plant moth (Exyra nigrocaput), Endothenia daeckeana, Pitcher Plant Moth (Exyra fax), Roland's Pitcher Plant Moth (Exyra rolandiana), verbena bud moth (Endothenia hebesana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Tharsalea epixanthe
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- acidic, nutrient-poor, peat-rich soil
- pH:
- 3.5 - 5.5 (strongly acidic to acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in bogs and fens.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds require light for germination; do not cover.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 3 months. Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * sow in sphagnum moss
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)