SafePlants

Yellow Butterwort (Pinguicula lutea)

The Yellow Butterwort, scientifically known as Pinguicula lutea, is a fascinating carnivorous plant that captures insects using sticky glands on its leaves. Its vibrant yellow flowers add a splash of color to its native habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has sticky leaves due to its carnivorous nature, which could potentially trap small insects, or adhere to a pet's fur.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has sticky leaves due to its carnivorous nature, which could potentially trap small insects, or adhere to skin.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Pinguicula lutea Walter
• Common Names: Yellow Butterwort, Yellow-flowered Butterwort
• Family: Lentibulariaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Pinguicula lutea is native to the Southeastern United States.
• It is commonly found in wet pine savannas and sandy bogs, particularly in the outer Coastal Plain of North Carolina and the Apalachicola National Forest.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant features a basal rosette of yellow-green, sticky leaves.
• It produces solitary yellow flowers atop leafless, glandular stalks that can range from 1 to 8 in number.
• Flowers have five irregular, notched petals and can be bright or pale yellow.

Ecological Role

• Pinguicula lutea is a carnivorous plant, trapping small insects on its leaves using specialized glands. This adaptation allows it to thrive in low-nutrient soils.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Pinguicula is derived from the Latin word "pingu(i)", meaning "fat, stout", likely referring to the texture of the leaves.
• A white-flowered form of the Yellow Butterwort exists, known as Pinguicula lutea Walt. f. alba.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides detailed information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Pinguicula lutea.
• The plant is documented in the Lentibulariaceae FLAS herbarium specimens 12679 and 19508.