Jessie Keith
Family
Lentibulariaceae
Botanical Name
Pinguicula
Plant Common Name
Butterwort
General Description
This circumglobal genus encompasses some 50 species of wetland-dwelling insectivorous perennials, many of which are prized by collectors of carnivorous plants.
These moisture-loving plants form rosettes of oily, glistening, rounded to lance-shaped leaves laced with insect-snaring hairs and meat-digesting glands. The leaf margins roll inward to aid in digestion of trapped insects. Plants may overwinter as a fat bud-like rosette. In late spring or summer, solitary, two-lipped, often colorful flowers are borne on leafless stems. Plants may self sow in moist environments, with hybrid seedlings sometimes resulting.
Butterworts thrive in moist, acidic, infertile soil in full to partial sun. They work well in peat beds or moist rock gardens, or in containers. Tropical and subtropical butterworts make good terrarium plants. Propagate them by seed or by separating offsets from dormant rosettes in early spring.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
World/Pandemic
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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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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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
