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Drosera filiformis
Drosera filiformis Raf.
Threadleaf Sundew
Droseraceae (Sundew Family)
Synonym(s): Drosera filiformis var. filiformis
USDA Symbol: DRFI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A carnivorous plant with lavender-rose flowers in a 1-sided, elongated cluster on a leafless stalk, curved at tip, rising from erect, thread-like, sticky, basal leaves.
This striking member of the sundew family is distinctive, with its stringy leaves covered with glistening droplets of sticky exudate. Insects trapped in the sticky hairs are digested by plant enzymes. Researchers have found that substantial quantities of protein from the insects end up in the storage roots, demonstrating the importance of this source of nutrients. The southern plants are larger than the northern and are considered by some authorities to be the separate species D. tracyi. The genus name derives from the Greek droseros ("dewy") and refers to the sticky droplets on the leaves.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Flower scapes up to about 10 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: CT , DE , MA , MD , NC , NJ , NY , PA , RICanada: NS
Native Distribution: Nova Scotia; New York and Massachusetts south to New Jersey and Pennsylvania; also in North Carolina and Florida.
Native Habitat: Wet, sandy, coastal areas.
Growing Conditions
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL | OBL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, PA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic BotanyWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Drosera filiformis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Drosera filiformis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Drosera filiformis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-30Research By: TWC Staff