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Pinguicula vulgaris
Pinguicula vulgaris L.
Common Butterwort
Lentibulariaceae (Bladderwort Family)
Synonym(s): Pinguicula vulgaris var. americana
USDA Symbol: PIVU
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)
A small plant with stalkless, broadly lanceolate leaves in a basal rosette and 1 bilaterally symmetrical, lavender or purple flower (rarely white) on a leafless stalk.
This species also occurs in Eurasia. The genus name means "greasy little one," referring to the slimy upper surface and fatty texture of the soft fleshy leaves. Small organisms that stick to the leaves are digested by the plant. The very similar Violet Butterwort (P. caerulea) is found in sandy moist pinelands, bogs, and ditches from North Carolina south to Florida and Louisiana. Dwarf Butterwort (P. pumila), found from North Carolina south to Florida and Texas, is smaller, with a pale lavender flower less than 1/2" (1.5 cm) long on a stalk usually less than 4" (10 cm) high. Southern Butterwort (P. primuliflora), found from Georgia and Florida west to Mississippi, usually growing in running water, has a violet flower with a white ring in the center and a yellow beard inside the lower lip.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , ME , MI , MN , NH , NY , VT , WA , WICanada: NB , NL , NS
Native Distribution: Alaska and British Columbia east to Newfoundland and Greenland, south to New York, and west to Minnesota; south to northwestern California in the West.
Native Habitat: Bogs, banks, on wet rocks, and in open moist soil in limestone areas.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Wet
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Benefit
Use Other: This carnivorous plant has greasy leaves on whose surface insects are caught and digested by enzymes. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL | OBL |
Web Reference
Webref 26 - Minnesota Wildflowers: a field guide to the flora of Minnesota (2009)Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Pinguicula vulgaris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pinguicula vulgaris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pinguicula vulgaris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-10Research By: TWC Staff