California Pitcher Plant

Did you know

• Called the cobra lily because its hooded pitcher and forked tongue-like appendage make it look like a striking cobra.
• Unlike other pitcher plants, it does not use a simple pitfall trap but confuses insects with translucent false exits in the hood.
• The plant requires cold, running water over its roots and will die in stagnant warm conditions, making it challenging to cultivate.
• Insects enter the hooded trap attracted by nectar, then become disoriented by window-like translucent patches and fall into digestive fluids.
• Darlingtonia is the only species in its genus and is listed as uncommon, growing only in specialized serpentine bog habitats.

Color meanings

Uses

• carnivorous plant collection
• botanical curiosity
• bog garden