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Summary
Bloom Color: Green, Red. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Physical Characteristics
Sarracenia purpurea is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic Hepatic Kidney Laxative Oxytoxic Stomachic Tonic Women's complaints
The root and leaves are diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic[4, 61, 222]. They are used in the treatment of dyspepsia, constipation, liver and kidney complaints[61]. A cold decoction of the whole plant has been used in the treatment of whooping cough[257]. An infusion of the dried leaves has been used in the treatment of fevers and shakiness[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used to make childbirth easier and also for sickness associated with an absence of menstrual periods[257]. An infusion of the leaves was at one time considered to be a cure for smallpox[4, 257], Arizona State University reached a positive outcome testing Saracenia Purpurea vs. smallpox. Results illustrate conclusively that this herb is able to kill the virus. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of smallpox[207, 213]. A decoction of the root has been given to women to help expel the afterbirth and to prevent sickness after childbirth[257]. A strong decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of spitting blood and pulmonary complaints[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Landscape Uses:Container, Specimen, Woodland garden. Grow in sun or partial shade in peat or moss[188]. Requires a moist but well-drained position[4]. Plants require continuously moist conditions in a loose compost of sphagnum peat, live sphagnum and coarse acid sand[260]. They can be grown successfully in a plastic basin or in a pot that is standing in a deep saucer of water[260]. An insectivorous plant[61], it is best grown in a boggy position[1] in a soil that is low in nitrogen. The leaves form cups which become filled with water in which insects become trapped, drown and are digested by the plant[4]. A very ornamental and polymorphic plant[200], it is becoming very rare in the wild and is on the CITES II list of endangered species. Special Features:
Attractive foliage, North American native, Naturalizing.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species but would suggest sowing the seed in light shade in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Division might be possible.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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