How many Sarracenia species are there?

How many Sarracenia species are there? There are between 8 and 11 species of Sarracenia. Now, I know that doesn't really answer the question, so why the ambiguity?

In 2011 McPherson & Schnell recognised 8 species of Sarracenia and this is what I have found to be typically used in the UK and Europe. American collectors usually recognise 11 distinct species. This is probably more accurate being based on physiological differences and geographical separation within subspecies and varieties. But, we often prefer to stick to what we know and are familiar with!

8 Sarracenia Species We All Agree On

1. Sarracenia alata
2. Sarracenia flava
3. Sarracenia leucophylla
4. Sarracenia minor
5. Sarracenia oreophila
6. Sarracenia psittacina
7. Sarracenia purpurea
8. Sarracenia rubra

And the Other 3 Sarracenia Species?

These are the others that are also recognised, I've included the McPherson & Schnell taxonomy in brackets;

1. Sarracenia alabamensis (Sarracenia rubra subsp. alabamensis)
2. Sarracenia jonesii (Sarracenia rubra subsp. jonesii)
3. Sarracenia rosea (Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa var. burkii)

What's In a Name?

Whilst I suspect that eventually, we'll all move over to the 11 species naming convention, for now, it probably doesn't matter how you refer to the 'other 3' species. For example, I have some friends who say 'purp venosa burkii' and some who say 'purp rosea', but we all know we're talking about the same plant!

The navigation of this website is still based on the McPherson & Schnell 8 species taxonomy (for now).

One More Ambiguity?

Whilst you are here, Sarracenia rubra subsp. wherryi (McPherson & Schnell) is also known as Sarracenia alabamensis subsp. wherryi by those who recognise the alabamensis species!