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Native Plant Database

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Sarracenia alata (Flycatcher)
Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Sarracenia alata Wood

Flycatcher, Yellow pitcher plant, Yellow trumpet, Yellow trumpets

Sarraceniaceae (Pitcherplant Family)

USDA Symbol: SAAL4

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is a member of the pitcher plant family. Its leaves, like those of other plants in this family, are hollow with an open, partially covered top. Water collects in these pitchers and insects are trapped, decomposed, and partially absorbed by the plant. Flowers hang at the tip of leafless stems, facing downward. There are 3 bracts, 5 sepals, 5 petals, and many stamens. The style has an extraordinary shape, like an umbrella upside down, with a stigma beneath each of the 5 angles (248).

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: AL , LA , MS , TX
Native Habitat: Marshes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Soil Moisture: Wet
Aquatic: yes
Soil Description: Mud, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Water garden, Bog or pond area
Use Wildlife: Nectar-insects
Warning: The root and leaves are sometimes used in herbal remedies but can be toxic and sometimes fatal in high quantities or if misused. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

 

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: LOOKING FOR NAME OF A GREEN TUBE-LIKE PLANT (SHAPED LIKE A CALLA LILY). THE VEINS ARE VISIBLE. MAYBE IN CLUSTER
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Bibliography

McMillen's Texas Gardening: Wildflowers (1998) Howard, D.
Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller

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

Metadata

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

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