Post by Jason Ksepka on Mar 21, 2018 10:59:48 GMT -5
The only species native to our region (northeastern US) is Sarracenia purpurea, northern or purple pitcher plant. I subscribe to the nomenclature offered by the research of Dr. Rob Naczi which split the southern form out as a seperate species known as S. rosea. This leaves S. purpurea purpurea, S. p. venosa, and S. p. venosa var. montana.
First, S. p. venosa from S.C.
From N.C.
And Va.
and S. p. venosa var montana (or whatever it should be called) The mountain form of S. purpurea. The bogs that I have seen this form growing, so far, have largely been overtopped by trees, shrubs, or other competing vegetation. These areas need to be burned or have the competing veg removed manually or these sites will surely lose these pitcher plants, and many associated species of bog plants which usually require higher levels of sunlight.
In NJ, I focus my field efforts in the Pinelands. The bogs where pitcher plants occur in the northern part of the state contain pure S. purpurea purpurea. But in the Pinelands, this species seems to be in a large area of intergradation between the northern and southern subspecies (S. p. purpurea and S. p. venosa). So I can find lots of variation and some very vigorous plants.
Showing some of the pubescent leaf texture common to the southern form.
And with a huge hood, bigger than many S. roseas.
Much more typical of S. p. purpurea with the glabrous leaf texture.
Previous year's pitchers with current year's flowers. This one has features more like the southern form.
A very northern looking plant.
A massive floating plant.
an unusually vigorous and dense growing clone. In the past, this form was known as "stolonifera" and I think it was briefly considered a separate species or subspecies. This designation did not last very long. I have only found this form in a large mass one time. At a few locations I have seen plants that may be stoloniferous, but not nearly as vigorously. Interestingly, I find that this plant grows in a slightly different way in culture (peat), than in nature where it is usually anchored, but distinctly floating. In a pot, the central crown breaks dormancy with up to 9 actively growing pitchers from each growth point. Normally, this species grows in the typical "crown" shape with one pitcher growing at a time in a spiral progression. Again the clone of "stolonifera" has up to 9 actively growing and swelling pitchers coming out of one crown at one time. It is remarkable. While the overall growth of this species in culture, so far, has not been particularly attractive. I wonder if this kind of vigor can be used with creating very nice cultivars. Or, if it will be genetic at all. I haven't put it through trials yet.
and a flower at the famous Webbs Mill Bog
A very classically northern plant.
And the "veinless" form that is known from Canada and New England, but not previously described from New Jersey.
I really love the variation that I am able to find in the Pinelands. And my photos are but a shadow of seeing all of these plants in the wild.
First, S. p. venosa from S.C.
From N.C.
And Va.
and S. p. venosa var montana (or whatever it should be called) The mountain form of S. purpurea. The bogs that I have seen this form growing, so far, have largely been overtopped by trees, shrubs, or other competing vegetation. These areas need to be burned or have the competing veg removed manually or these sites will surely lose these pitcher plants, and many associated species of bog plants which usually require higher levels of sunlight.
In NJ, I focus my field efforts in the Pinelands. The bogs where pitcher plants occur in the northern part of the state contain pure S. purpurea purpurea. But in the Pinelands, this species seems to be in a large area of intergradation between the northern and southern subspecies (S. p. purpurea and S. p. venosa). So I can find lots of variation and some very vigorous plants.
Showing some of the pubescent leaf texture common to the southern form.
And with a huge hood, bigger than many S. roseas.
Much more typical of S. p. purpurea with the glabrous leaf texture.
Previous year's pitchers with current year's flowers. This one has features more like the southern form.
A very northern looking plant.
A massive floating plant.
an unusually vigorous and dense growing clone. In the past, this form was known as "stolonifera" and I think it was briefly considered a separate species or subspecies. This designation did not last very long. I have only found this form in a large mass one time. At a few locations I have seen plants that may be stoloniferous, but not nearly as vigorously. Interestingly, I find that this plant grows in a slightly different way in culture (peat), than in nature where it is usually anchored, but distinctly floating. In a pot, the central crown breaks dormancy with up to 9 actively growing pitchers from each growth point. Normally, this species grows in the typical "crown" shape with one pitcher growing at a time in a spiral progression. Again the clone of "stolonifera" has up to 9 actively growing and swelling pitchers coming out of one crown at one time. It is remarkable. While the overall growth of this species in culture, so far, has not been particularly attractive. I wonder if this kind of vigor can be used with creating very nice cultivars. Or, if it will be genetic at all. I haven't put it through trials yet.
and a flower at the famous Webbs Mill Bog
A very classically northern plant.
And the "veinless" form that is known from Canada and New England, but not previously described from New Jersey.
I really love the variation that I am able to find in the Pinelands. And my photos are but a shadow of seeing all of these plants in the wild.
