Sarracenia purpurea
Purple Pitcher Plant
General
A carnivorous perennial native to North America. It features distinctive pitcher-shaped leaves that are typically green with maroon veins and hoods, functioning as traps for insects. In summer, it produces nodding, purple-red flowers on tall stalks, adding to its unique and captivating appearance in boggy or acidic wetland habitats.
Plant Description
Pitcher-shaped leaves that can reach heights of 12 to 24 inches. Each leaf has a distinctive hood that covers the pitcher opening, often displaying deep red or purple coloration with intricate veins. In summer, it produces slender, nodding flowers atop tall stalks, adding a striking contrast to its carnivorous foliage in wetland habitats.
Height (ft)
1-2 ft
Soil moisture
Very moist to wet
Soil types
Nutrient poor, acidic that are consistently wet
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
Deep red and purple
Bloom period
Late spring to early summer
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Southeastern Canada, southward through the northeastern and north-central United States (such as New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan), extending into parts of the southeastern United States (like Georgia and North Carolina)
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to the BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Algonquin would use this to aid women during and after childbirth. The roots could be used as a diuretic and for urinary infections. The Iroquois would use an infusion of the leaves to treat chills, high fevers and shakiness. The powdered plant would also be used as a love charm and as a "lacrosse medicine." Many tribes used this species in many different ways. The Potawatomi would also use the leaves as a drinking cup when in the woods.