The Spoon-Leaf Sundew is a native carnivorous plant know for its unique leaves which are coated in sticky mucilagenous glands allowing it to capture bugs which it then slowly digests.
Physical characteristics
The Spoon-Leaf Sundew grows in a rosette of spatulate leaves ranging from 2-8 inches tall.
Leaf: The leaves are the distinguishing characteristic of the Sundew. They are covered in red, sticky glans that secrete a sugary nectar to attract bugs. These glans are also sticky to trap the bugs that land on them. Once the bug is stuck the plants secretes digestive enzymes to absorb the bug’s nutrients.
Flower | Seeds: The flowers bloom from June through August forming a one-sided raceme of 3 to 8 white flowers and the end of a long bare stem. The fertilized ovaries swell to form seed capsules which bear numerous tiny seeds.
Life span: The Spoon-Leaf Sundew is a perennial plant, living for many years.
Ecological characteristics
The Spoon-Leaf Sundew is found in the eastern half of the U.S. as well as parts of Canada, Europe, Cuba, and northern South America. It grows in bogs, fens, and wet meadows. Because it is carnivorous it is able to live in relatively infertile habitats by getting most of its nutrients from the things it “eats.” The Spoon-Leaf Sundew is one of the mostly widely distributed species in its genus.
ES 203: SPRING FLORA OF THE GREAT LAKES
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