Northern Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia purpurea

A rare and extraordinary carnivorous plant of Alberta's nutrient-poor boreal bogs — modified pitcher-shaped leaves collect rainwater and drown insects, which are digested to supply nitrogen. Showy nodding purple-maroon flowers on tall stems in midsummer. Provincial floral emblem of Newfoundland and Labrador. Extremely vulnerable to peatland disturbance; never dig.

Quick Facts

Distribution

Rare — Alberta boreal bogs, Zone 1

Light

Full sun (in bogs)

Bloom Time

June–July

Soil

Saturated acidic sphagnum peat

Water

Very high; keep pitchers filled with rainwater, not tap water

Pet Safe— Generally considered safe around pets.

Growing & Cultivation

Propagation

Seed on damp sphagnum with cold stratification — very slow (5+ years to mature). Do not dig wild plants. Source only from carnivorous-plant specialists.