Common Pitcherplant
Sarracenia purpurea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sarracenia purpurea is a carnivorous pitcher plant native to eastern and midwestern North America that blooms purple flowers from May through July in wet, sunny bog habitats.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, DE, GA, IA and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Purple pitcherplant is a fascinating carnivorous native that forms rosettes of distinctive pitcher-shaped leaves filled with water to trap insects. This bog plant produces unique burgundy flowers on tall stems in late spring and early summer. It requires consistently wet, acidic soil and makes an excellent conversation piece in specialized bog gardens.
Growing Common Pitcherplant
Grow Common Pitcherplant in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Pitcherplant takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Unusual carnivorous appearance may seem too exotic
- Requires specialized bog conditions that look unmanicured
- Pitchers can appear messy or dead when browning
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and flies for pollination. The water-filled pitchers create tiny ecosystems that support mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects, which then feed birds and amphibians.
Common questions
- Where does Sarracenia purpurea naturally grow?
- Common Pitcherplant is native to 24 states across eastern and midwestern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Iowa.
- When does Common Pitcherplant bloom?
- Sarracenia purpurea produces its distinctive purple flowers from May through July, with peak blooming typically occurring in late spring to early summer.
- What pollinates Sarracenia purpurea?
- Common Pitcherplant flowers are primarily pollinated by bees and flies, which are attracted to the nodding purple blooms held above the pitcher leaves.
- What growing conditions does Common Pitcherplant need?
- This carnivorous plant requires consistently wet to boggy conditions and full sun to partial sun exposure, naturally occurring in sphagnum bogs, wet meadows, and similar wetland habitats.
- Is Common Pitcherplant HOA-friendly?
- Common Pitcherplant takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Common Pitcherplant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz