A small carnivorous plant with greasy-feeling sticky leaves that trap small insects. Leaves curl around prey to maximize digestion contact.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Pinguicula vulgaris, the common butterwort, is a perennial carnivorous plant in the butterwort genus of the family Lentibulariaceae.
Source: Wikipedia — Pinguicula vulgaris Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small rosette plant with greasy yellow-green sticky leaves; purple-violet flower on tall stalk.
Similar species. Other Pinguicula species (varying ranges). Sundews (Drosera; different mechanism).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Carnivorous plant with sticky leaves that trap and digest small insects. Different rosette leaves develop in winter (small) vs. summer (large).
§ Range
Northern North America
§ Habitat
Wet rocks, cliff seeps, bogs
§ Threats
Habitat loss, climate-driven habitat shifts.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the common butterwort is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support wet northern habitat protection. Don't collect from wild.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Pinguicula vulgaris
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Pinguicula vulgaris
- iNaturalist · taxon 52914
- IUCN Red List — search for Pinguicula vulgaris
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Pinguicula vulgaris
§ Sources cited
- International Carnivorous Plant Society
- Native Plant Trust
