Yellow-trumpets (Sarracenia alata, Leaves Flowers: 157 (1863))

Family: Sarraceniaceae

Author: (Alph.Wood) Alph.Wood

Bibliography: Leaves Flowers: 157 (1863)

Year: 1863

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sarracenia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alabama to Texas

Description

Yellow-trumpets, scientifically known as Sarracenia alata, are captivating carnivorous plants that belong to the family Sarraceniaceae. Initially documented in “Leaves Flowers” in 1863 by Alph.Wood, the yellow-trumpet has since fascinated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

This unique species thrives predominantly in the southeastern United States, with its range extending from Alabama to Texas. Renowned for its distinctive, tubular leaves, Sarracenia alata employs a fascinating mechanism to attract, trap, and digest insects, which supplements its nutrient intake from the typically poor, acidic soils it inhabits.

The plant’s leaves are intricately designed to function as effective pitfall traps. They are elongated and tube-like, often standing upright and can reach impressive heights. The interior of these leaves is slippery, guiding unsuspecting insects down into a digestive liquid at the base where they are broken down into usable nutrients for the plant.

Adding to its allure, the yellow-trumpet also produces charming flowers. These blooms are typically yellow, giving rise to its common name, and feature a delicate, umbrella-like structure. The flowers bloom in spring, on tall stems that ensure they stand above the traps, avoiding any interference with the plant’s primary source of sustenance.

Yellow-trumpets, with their remarkable adaptability and intricate design, exemplify nature’s ingenuity. Their presence in the wild signifies a healthy, undisturbed ecosystem, making them a species of interest not only to botanists and horticulturists but also to conservationists striving to protect natural habitats.

Common Names

Swe: blek flugtrumpet
Eng: pale pitcherplant, pitcherplant, winged pitcherplant, yellow trumpets, yellow-trumpets
En: Yellow-trumpets, Yellow trumpets, Pitcherplant, Pitcher-plant Pale, Pitcher-plant Winged, Pitcher-plant Yellow, Pale pitcherplant, Winged pitcherplant
Ar: سراسينية جناحية
Zh: 翼状瓶子草
De: Blasse Schlauchpflanze
Sv: Blek flugtrumpet

Synonyms

• Sarracenia alata var. ornata (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
• Sarracenia purpurea var. alata ((Alph.Wood) Alph.Wood)
• Sarracenia intermedia (Bonstedt)
• Sarracenia sledgei (Macfarl.)
• Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
• Sarracenia flava var. crispata ((André) Mast.)
• Sarracenia crispata (André)
• Sarracenia alata var. cuprea (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
• Sarracenia alata var. atrorubra (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
• Sarracenia gronovii var. alata (Alph.Wood)
• Sarracenia alata f. viridescens (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)
• Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata (S.McPherson & D.E.Schnell)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Kurt Waber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Nanoplant Plantas carnivoras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by NaNo_ N9 (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 15, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2013 by EOL − Greg Lasley (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 15, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421377)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:227800-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sarracenia alata (Alph. Wood) Alph. Wood)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth