Its bright green stalks and bulbous cap easily identify this striking plant. What distinguishes the California carnivorous pitcherplant from the eastern pitcherplants is not only its size but also wing-shaped leaves that protrude from the top of the bulbous cap. The winged leaves are the reason this pitcherplant is sometimes referred to as the cobra pitcherplant. The California pitchplant can grow up to 3 feet and turns shades of red and brown with age. The light green and red flowers point downward, possibly to keep rain away from the pollen.
Pitcher Plant Darlingtonia Californica / Cobra Pitcherplant
Darlingtonia californica grows in sunny wet areas near streams or in bogs throughout Northern California and Western Oregon. While Darlingtonia californica is not serpentine soil dependent, it can grow in such soils and tolerates soil with toxic or heavy metals. Growing Darlingtonia californica in your own bog garden requires patients and diligence. Cool nights are required and as the temperatures warm up in the summer months keeping the roots cool during the day is a must.