Native Plant Trust

Sarracenia purpurea

purple pitcher plant, common pitcher plant

Purple pitcher plant is the only pitcher plant species native to New England; its green and purple leaves (the pitchers) are recumbant, filling with water into which the plant secretes digestive enzymes to digest trapped insects, which supply much-needed nitrogen for a plant adapted to nutrient-poor bog conditions.

Return to Plant Search Home


Height: 6-12 in
Spread: 8-12 in
Hardiness Zone: 2-9


Bloom Color: Red

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Wet
Ecoregion
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Fall Foliage
Spring Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Attracts Bees
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Specimen
Massing
Naturalize
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
Red to Purple Fall Foliage


North American Distribution


purple pitcher plant - Sarracenia purpurea from Native Plant Trust
purple pitcher plant - Sarracenia purpurea from Native Plant Trust
purple pitcher plant - Sarracenia purpurea from Native Plant Trust
purple pitcher plant - Sarracenia purpurea from Native Plant Trust