Sarracenia flava is one of the grandest species of carnivorous plants. Also referred to as the yellow pitcher plant, the Sarracenia flava is a slender and tall trumpet that can grow over a meter tall, though most only reach 50 cm.
Sarracenia Flava
We look at everything you need to know about the carnivorous Sarracenia flava, more commonly known as the yellow pitcher plant.
Sarracenia traps insects and other small prey without moving parts, like the Venus flytrap. Most Sarracenia flava use waxy deposits to trap insects by their feet and scent to attract their prey. Gravity also helps – some insects simply fall into the pitcher. The insect cannot maintain its footing on the slippery substance covering the pitcher walls. Most insects are unable to get out of the pitcher. However, some larger wasps have been known to escape, eating their way through the walls of the pitcher.
The pitcher’s mouth is circled by an outward-rolled tip, dipping at the front like a spout. This is known as a peristome. The mouth is studded with nectar glands, producing sugars and conine, which intoxicates the prey. The upper regions of the pitcher are dotted with stiff hairs, which guide insects into the pitcher tube. The top part of the pitcher is bright-colored with anthocyanin patterns, which also attract the insect.
The column that joins the pitcher to the lid is tall, curving back at the edges.
The Sarracenia flava lid or leaf is large and either flared or flat, depending on the time of year. The front of the lid has a coiled tip that protrudes into the air. The lid prevents rain from getting into the pitcher and diluting the secretions.
Interestingly, Sarracenia flava flowers can smell like strong cat urine. So, if you are thinking about bringing a Sarracenia flava into your home, you may want to think twice.
Sarracenia flava pitchers mostly grow at the beginning of the year. During the colder months, Sarracenia flava produces sword-shaped flat leaves called phyllodia, which allow the plant to photosynthesize when there are fewer bugs to hunt.
The yellow pitcher plant is one of the easiest carnivorous plants to cultivate, making it popular with many horticulturists.
Sarracenia flava is found in many places across the New World, including several US states such as Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
There are seven different Sarracenia flava varieties, some rarer than others. These include:
1) Sarracenia flava var. Flava
Prominent purple-red pigment on the pitcher’s throat with red venation. Mostly found in the Atlantic coastal plain.
2) Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Bull) Bell
The lid and pitcher tube are deep red. The pitcher interior is pale tan.
3) Sarracenia flava var maxima Bull ex Mast.
Green pitchers with no red coloration or venation around the throat. Relatively uncommon throughout North America
4) Sarracenia flava var. ornata Bull ex Mast.
Deep red or purple pigmentation and very strong red venation through the pitcher and lid. Frequently found in the North and South Carolina coastal plain.
5) Sarracenia flava var. rugelii (Shuttlew. ex A.DC.) Mast.
Expanded pitcher opening and larger lid than other Sarracenia. Deep red pitcher throat and no significant venation. Found in southern Georgia and northern Florida.
6) Sarracenia flava L. var. cuprea Schnell, var. Nov.
Predominantly copper-colored lid and pitcher.
7) Sarracenia flava var. rubricorpora Schnell
This plant has a red pitch and yellow or green lid with moderate venation. Only found in the Florida panhandle.