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Native Plant Database

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Drosera filiformis (Threadleaf sundew)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Drosera filiformis Raf.

Threadleaf sundew

Droseraceae (Sundew Family)

USDA Symbol: DRFI

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A carnivorous plant with lavender-rose flowers in a 1-sided, elongated cluster on a leafless stalk, curved at tip, rising from erect, thread-like, sticky, basal leaves.

This striking member of the sundew family is distinctive, with its stringy leaves covered with glistening droplets of sticky exudate. Insects trapped in the sticky hairs are digested by plant enzymes. Researchers have found that substantial quantities of protein from the insects end up in the storage roots, demonstrating the importance of this source of nutrients. The southern plants are larger than the northern and are considered by some authorities to be the separate species D. tracyi. The genus name derives from the Greek droseros (dewy) and refers to the sticky droplets on the leaves.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: CT , DE , MA , MD , NC , NJ , NY , PA , RI
Canada: NS
Native Distribution: Nova Scotia; New York and Massachusetts south to New Jersey and Pennsylvania; also in North Carolina and Florida.
Native Habitat: Wet, sandy, coastal areas.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Longwood Gardens - Newark, DE

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Drosera filiformis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Drosera filiformis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Drosera filiformis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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