Great Sundew
Drosera anglica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
4"–8" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, ME and 7 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Great sundew is a small carnivorous plant that forms compact rosettes of sticky, reddish leaves that trap and digest insects. This bog plant requires constantly moist to wet soil conditions and produces small white flowers on tall stalks in summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Great Sundew 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 odd or concerning
- Requires specialized bog conditions difficult to maintain
- Very small size makes it appear unintentional or wild
Wildlife value
While the plant produces flowers, its primary ecological role is as an insect predator rather than pollinator support, helping control small flying insects in wet areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Great Sundew need?
- Great Sundew grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Great Sundew bloom?
- Great Sundew blooms in July and August.
- Where is Great Sundew native?
- Great Sundew (Drosera anglica) is native to CA, CO, ID, ME and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Great Sundew HOA-friendly?
- Great Sundew 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 Great Sundew? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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