Oblong-leaf Sundew
Drosera intermedia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Drosera intermedia is a carnivorous perennial native to wetlands across eastern North America from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota. This oblong-leaf sundew blooms with small white flowers from June through August.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Oblong-leaf sundew is a tiny carnivorous plant that forms small rosettes of sticky, reddish leaves that catch insects. It produces delicate white flowers on thin stalks during summer and thrives in constantly moist, boggy conditions.
Growing Oblong-leaf Sundew
Grow Oblong-leaf Sundew in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 2 to 8 inches tall and spread 2 to 6 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Oblong-leaf 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.
- Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
- Carnivorous nature may concern neighbors
- Requires bog-like conditions unsuitable for typical yards
Wildlife value
This plant attracts small flying insects which get trapped by its sticky leaves, making it more of a predator than a pollinator supporter in the garden ecosystem.
Common questions
- Where does Drosera intermedia naturally grow?
- Oblong-leaf sundew is native to 31 states across eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, growing primarily in acidic bogs, fens, and wet sandy shores.
- When does oblong-leaf sundew bloom?
- Drosera intermedia produces small white flowers on tall stalks during summer months from June through August.
- What growing conditions does this sundew require?
- This carnivorous plant requires consistently wet, acidic conditions and partial sun to partial shade. It thrives in bog gardens, wetland margins, and areas with high moisture year-round.
- How does Drosera intermedia catch insects?
- The oblong leaves are covered with sticky tentacles that trap small insects. The plant digests these insects to obtain nutrients, particularly nitrogen, that are lacking in its acidic wetland habitat.
- Is Oblong-leaf Sundew HOA-friendly?
- Oblong-leaf 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 Oblong-leaf Sundew? 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