Pitcher plants are the showiest of the carnivorous plants found in Florida, which include butterworts, bladderworts, and sundews. They trap their prey when an insect flies or crawls into the pitcher looking for moisture or food. Downward-facing “hairs” prevent the insect from climbing back out, and it is dissolved by the plant for nutrients. Our pitcher plants begin blooming in March in Central Florida and are at their peak in mid-April west of Tallahassee.
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Pitcher Plant species
These carnivorous plants range as far south as Okeechobee County but are easiest to find in the westernmost counties of Florida. Six Sarracenia species are found along Florida’s trails, with their highest concentration in Northwest Florida.
Check the Florida Plant Atlas for full scientific details on all pitcher plants found in Florida and the counties where they are known to exist.
Where to See Pitcher Plants
Some of our favorite places to see pitcher plants.
