©Dolezal Publishing/Donna Krischan
Family
Lentibulariaceae
Botanical Name
Utricularia
Plant Common Name
Bladderwort
General Description
Comprising more than 200 aquatic, terrestrial, or epiphytic annuals and perennials from all parts of the world, the bladderworts are named for the curious, inflated, insect-trapping structures that dot their stems and leaves. Floating bladderworts such as Utricularia vulgaris and U. gibba are popular aquarium and water garden plants.
Bladderworts bear rounded or feathery leaves on stem-like stolons that creep along or below the surface of the water or soil. The stolons root at their tips, eventually forming a mat-like network of plants. The leaves are lined with small bladder-like traps that use suction to ingest mosquito larvae and other small water creatures. Some aquatic bladderworts are free-floating; others are anchored to the bottom. Small, spurred, two-lobed flowers are borne singly or in clusters on erect leafless stems that emerge from the water. Most bladderworts bear yellow or purple blooms in late spring or summer.
These fascinating, sun-loving perennials make interesting additions to aquariums, ponds, and other stagnant water features, with hardy and tender species available for both indoor an outdoor cultivation. Some bladderworts can become weedy in favorable habitats.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Aquatics
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Native To
World/Pandemic
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Purple, Lavender
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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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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
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
