Family: Sarraceniaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Fl. Ludov.: 14 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sarracenia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Mississippi to Florida
Description
The Purple Trumpetleaf, scientifically known as Sarracenia leucophylla, is a fascinating carnivorous plant from the family Sarraceniaceae. First documented by Rafinesque in the early 19th century, precisely in 1817, this striking plant has continued to captivate botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Native to the southeastern United States, specifically from southeastern Mississippi to throughout Florida, the Purple Trumpetleaf thrives in the unique, nutrient-poor environments of bogs and wetlands. Its geographic distribution highlights its adaptability to the warm, humid climates characteristic of these regions.
What sets Sarracenia leucophylla apart is its intricate and beautiful morphology. The plant is noted for its tall, tubular pitchers, which can vary in coloration but typically exhibit a striking combination of white, green, and deep purple-red hues. These pitchers are not just visually appealing but function as a sophisticated trap for insects, which constitute the plant’s primary source of nutrients. The interior of the pitchers is slippery and lined with downward-pointing hairs that prevent prey from escaping, while digestive enzymes at the base of the pitcher break down the captured insects.
The flowers of the Purple Trumpetleaf are equally enchanting, emerging in spring and early summer. They are generally large and can be a stunning crimson-red, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal. These flowers are designed to entice pollinators, though they bloom when the pitchers are less active in trapping insects, thus balancing the processes of reproduction and nutrient acquisition.
Given its unique adaptations, cultivation of Sarracenia leucophylla requires particular conditions that mimic its native habitat. It thrives best in acidic, waterlogged soil and full sun exposure. In cultivation, maintaining a consistent water supply and avoiding mineral-rich water is crucial to prevent root burn and ensure the plant’s health.
The Purple Trumpetleaf, with its elegant pitchers and captivating flowers, is not only a marvel of natural evolution but also a beautiful addition to any carnivorous plant collection. Its presence in the wild also underscores the importance of conserving wetland habitats, which are crucial for the survival of such specialized and intriguing species.
Common Names
Eng: crimson pitcherplant, purple trumpetleaf, white-top pitcherplant, white-trumpet, purple trumpet-leaf
Swe: fläckig flugtrumpet
Deu: weiße schlauchpflanze
En: Purple trumpetleaf, White-trumpet, Crimson pitcherplant, White-top pitcherplant, Purple Trumpet-leaf
De: Weiße Schlauchpflanze
Sv: Fläckig flugtrumpet
Synonyms
- Sarracenia leucophylla var. alba ((R.Hogg & T.Moore) S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
- Sarracenia undulata var. alba ((R.Hogg & T.Moore) Mast.)
- Sarracenia mexicana (Mast.)
- Sarracenia drummondii var. alba (R.Hogg & T.Moore)
- Sarracenia leucophylla f. viridescens (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
- Sarracenia drummondii (Croom)
- Sarracenia gronovii var. drummondii ((Croom) Alph.Wood)
- Sarracenia alba ((R.Hogg & T.Moore) Bell.)
- Sarracenia drummondii var. undulata ((Decne.) L.H.Bailey)
- Sarracenia drummondii var. major (Sander)
- Sarracenia drummondii var. rubra (G.Nicholson)
- Sarracenia laciniata (A.Kern.)
- Sarracenia undulata (Decne.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by G M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2020 by Kiki Kip (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2020 by dagmar06 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2010 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2019 by Buynitskiy Libi (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Jazzy Sheree (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2022 by alessandro piva (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Noah Hauck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2018 by Plechackova Martina (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 13, 2021 by kathryn Corey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 4, 2019 by Wizard Plant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 20, 2021 by Pier Luigi Giandiletti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421380)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:790149-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sarracenia leucophylla Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
