WhatsApp Chat
Send us a message
The 7 Varieties of Sarracenia flava - An Introduction
Sarracenia flava, the yellow pitcher plant, is one of the most striking and variable species in the carnivorous plant world. Known for its tall, elegant pitchers and vibrant yellow flowers, this species is a favourite among enthusiasts. But what makes S. flava truly fascinating is the incredible diversity within its varieties. Each variety has unique charm, from deep reds to coppery hues. Let’s take a closer look at the different varieties of Sarracenia flava, their physical characteristics, and where they can be found in the wild.
1. Sarracenia flava var. flava
The "typical" variety, Sarracenia flava var. flava, is the standard form of the species. Its pitchers are tall, often reaching up to 90 cm (3 feet) in height, with a bright yellow-green colouration. The pitchers are slender and trumpet-shaped, with a prominent, wavy lid (operculum) that helps prevent rainwater from diluting the digestive enzymes inside. The throat of the pitcher often features subtle red veining, which can vary in intensity.
A notable form of this variety is Sarracenia flava var. flava f. viridescens, which lacks the red pigmentation entirely, resulting in pure green pitchers. This form is particularly striking for its uniformity and is a favourite among collectors.
Geographical Range: S. flava var. flava is widespread across the southeastern United States, particularly in the coastal plains of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. It thrives in open, sunny wetlands and bogs.
2. Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea
If you’re looking for drama, Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea delivers. This variety is renowned for its deep red to maroon pitchers, which develop as the plant matures. The colouration is most intense in full sun, making it a standout in any collection. The pitchers are similar in shape to the typical variety but are often slightly shorter and more robust.
This variety is my personal favourite, thanks to its striking appearance. The contrast between the red-coloured pitchers and the surrounding green plants is stunning.
Geographical Range: S. flava var. atropurpurea is found in the Gulf Coast region, particularly in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. It prefers wet, sandy soils and is often found in pine savannas.
3. Sarracenia flava var. cuprea
Sarracenia flava var. cuprea is known for its unique coppery lids, which give the plant its name (cuprea means "copper" in Latin). The rest of the pitcher is typically yellow-green, with some red veining in the throat. The lid’s colouration is thought to attract insects, making it an effective trap.
Geographical Range: This variety is native to a small region in the Carolinas, particularly in the Green Swamp area of North Carolina and parts of South Carolina.
4. Sarracenia flava var. maxima
As the name suggests, Sarracenia flava var. maxima is all about size. This variety produces some of the largest pitchers in the species, often exceeding 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height. The pitchers are a uniform yellow-green, with little to no red pigmentation. The sheer size of this variety makes it a showstopper in any collection.
Geographical Range: S. flava var. maxima is found in the coastal plains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. It grows in sunny, open bogs.
5. Sarracenia flava var. ornata
Sarracenia flava var. ornata is one of the most visually striking varieties, thanks to its heavily veined pitchers. The veins are typically a deep red or purple, creating a net-like pattern against the yellow-green background. The lid is also often heavily veined, adding to the plant’s ornate appearance.
Geographical Range: This variety is found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama. It grows in wet, sandy soils and is often associated with longleaf pine ecosystems.
6. Sarracenia flava var. rubricorpora
Sarracenia flava var. rubricorpora is another red beauty, but unlike atropurpurea, the red colouration extends throughout the entire pitcher, not just the upper portion. The pitchers are a deep red to maroon, with a slightly lighter lid. This variety is particularly eye-catching when backlit by the sun.
Geographical Range: This variety is native to the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama. It grows in wet, sandy soils and is often found in pitcher plant bogs.
7. Sarracenia flava var. rugelii
Sarracenia flava var. rugelii is known for its distinctive throat patch - a large, dark red blotch at the base of the pitcher's opening. The rest of the pitcher is typically yellow-green, with some red veining. The throat patch is thought to play a role in attracting prey.
Geographical Range: This variety is found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It grows in wet, sandy soils and is often associated with pine flatwoods.
Final Thoughts
The diversity within Sarracenia flava is a testament to the adaptability and beauty of the species. Whether you’re drawn to the colourful atropurpurea, the towering maxima, or the intricate ornata, there’s a variety of S. flava to captivate every enthusiast. Each variety not only adds a unique aesthetic to a Sarracenia collection.
If you’re interested in growing these must-have carnivorous plants, check out my guide on How to Grow Sarracenia Pitcher Plants in the UK.
Read More
Sarracenia For Sale
-
Sarracenia flava var. ornata (Miramar Beach, Walton County, Florida)
Original price £12.99 - Original price £12.99Original price£12.99£12.99 - £12.99Current price £12.99In stockA nice example of a Sarracenia flava var. ornata from Florida. As per the varietal name 'ornata', this Sarracenia flava displays ornata red veins t...
View full detailsOriginal price £12.99 - Original price £12.99Original price£12.99£12.99 - £12.99Current price £12.99 -
Sarracenia flava var. rugelii - Very Tall
Original price £15.99 - Original price £15.99Original price£15.99£15.99 - £15.99Current price £15.99In stockThis is one tall Sarracenia flava var. rugelii! Given time, this plant can reach up to 36" tall making it a very impressive Sarracenia for any coll...
View full detailsOriginal price £15.99 - Original price £15.99Original price£15.99£15.99 - £15.99Current price £15.99 -
Sarracenia oreophila Heavily Veined (DeKalb County, Alabama) MK-O5
Original price £14.99 - Original price £14.99Original price£14.99£14.99 - £14.99Current price £14.99In stockThis is an attractive Sarracenia oreophila both in shape and pattern. As the name suggests it is heavily veined with the veins getting darker as th...
View full detailsOriginal price £14.99 - Original price £14.99Original price£14.99£14.99 - £14.99Current price £14.99 -
Sarracenia × miniata
Original price £10.99 - Original price £10.99Original price£10.99£10.99 - £10.99Current price £10.99In stockSarracenia × miniata is a hybrid of Sarracenia minor and Sarracenia alata. Both parent species influence the shape of this plant with the distincti...
View full detailsOriginal price £10.99 - Original price £10.99Original price£10.99£10.99 - £10.99Current price £10.99 -
Sarracenia flava var. flava (Dorchester County, South Carolina)
Original price £9.99 - Original price £9.99Original price£9.99£9.99 - £9.99Current price £9.99In stockThis vigorous clone of Sarracenia flava is a great plant if you want an easy-to-grow, nice-sized, and hard-as-nails Sarracenia flava var. flava. Th...
View full detailsOriginal price £9.99 - Original price £9.99Original price£9.99£9.99 - £9.99Current price £9.99 -
Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Large Maroon Throat MK-A59
Original price £11.99 - Original price £11.99Original price£11.99£11.99 - £11.99Current price £11.99In stockMK-A59Plant Size On Offer Plant photos are usually of the mother plant, not the smaller divisions offered for sale. Divisions taken from mother pla...
View full detailsOriginal price £11.99 - Original price £11.99Original price£11.99£11.99 - £11.99Current price £11.99 -
Sarracenia 'Veiny Thing'
Original price £11.99 - Original price £11.99Original price£11.99£11.99 - £11.99Current price £11.99In stockIP-X125, JS-H155Plant Size On Offer Plant photos are usually of the mother plant, not the smaller divisions offered for sale. Divisions taken from ...
View full detailsOriginal price £11.99 - Original price £11.99Original price£11.99£11.99 - £11.99Current price £11.99 -
Sarracenia alata - Areolate Form (Jasper County, Texas) MS-SA017
Original price £13.99 - Original price £13.99Original price£13.99£13.99 - £13.99Current price £13.99In stockHere's an interesting Sarracenia alata! This is an areolate form which is relatively unusual for this species. Areoles are small windows on the pi...
View full detailsOriginal price £13.99 - Original price £13.99Original price£13.99£13.99 - £13.99Current price £13.99
