Sarracenia oreophila

With autumn pitchers

Sarracenia oreophila literally translates as ‘pitcher plant that loves the mountains’. The yellow-green colour of the pitchers is characteristic. The pitchers (with have a slippery inside wall!), are modified leaves that enable the plant to catch insects that are then digested by enzymes and bacteria.

Ecology and habitat

The green pitcherplant is nowadays primarily found in marshland and fenland in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It does best on open, sunny sites where there is little competition.

A unique characteristic of the green pitcherplant is its ability to survive the dry season. During the wet spring, Sarracenia oreophila develops pitchers and also comes into flower. Then come the dry summer months when the plants become dormant. The pitchers die away and small, sickle shaped leaves appear in their place. From September the precipitation levels rise and the plant grows a few autumn pitchers in order to take advantage of the last insects of the year.

Threat

In the past the green pitcherplant was widely distributed across Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. This species has been found on one site in Georgia and two locations in North Carolina. The situation is critical: the disappearance of marshland through drainage, nature reserves being used for agricultural purposes, the building of new neighbourhoods and recreation facilities are taking their toll.

In addition pollution is also playing its role, as are invasive plants, such as the creeper kudzu (Pueraria lobata), that are taking over its habitat. Finally pressure from seed and plant collectors, which is prohibited, is also a threat.