Family
Lentibulariaceae
Botanical Name
PINGUICULA vulgaris
Plant Common Name
Common Butterwort
General Description
Found in moist habitats in northern latitudes worldwide, this small insectivorous perennial is grown for its charming flowers and curious bug-trapping leaves.
This cold-hardy plant produces rosettes of greasy, tongue-shaped, yellow- to pale-green leaves that glisten with numerous blunt, droplet-producing, insect-snaring hairs. The leaf margins roll inward to further ensnare trapped insects, which are digested by glands on the leaf surface. The leaves die back in fall to a fat bud-like winter rosette. In late spring or summer small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are borne on short leafless stems. The five-lobed flowers have a back-projecting spur. Plants may self sow in moist environments, with hybrid seedlings sometimes resulting.
Common butterwort thrives in moist, alkaline to acidic, infertile soil in full to partial sun. It requires cold winters and mild summers. Use it in peat beds or moist rock gardens, or in containers such as terrariums. Propagate it by seed or by separating offsets from dormant rosettes in early spring.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
6 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 6
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
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Width
3"-5" / 7.6cm - 12.7cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Northeastern United States, North-Central United States, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Canada, Northern Europe, Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Bog Garden, Container, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes