SafePlants

Sarracenia x excellens: The Excellens Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia x excellens is a naturally occurring hybrid pitcher plant, known for its striking appearance and carnivorous nature.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Pitcher plants like Sarracenia x excellens are carnivorous and have specialized structures (pitchers) to trap insects.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Sarracenia x excellens
• Common Names: Excellens Pitcher Plant
• Parentage: Hybrid of Sarracenia leucophylla and Sarracenia minor. Some sources list the parentage as (S. minor x S. leucophylla)
• Synonyms:
  • Sarracenia (leucophylla x minor)

Distribution and Habitat

• Sarracenia x excellens is a naturally occurring hybrid found in zones 5-9.
• It is commonly produced in cultivation.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• One form of this hybrid is described as quite tall and impressive.
• Pitchers are typically lime green with a white hood and red venation.
• Another variation features big green pitchers with a pink lid.

Hybrids and Cultivars

• Many distinct clones and cultivars exist due to its ease of cultivation and hybridization potential.
• Examples of crosses include:
  • H26 (S. rubra ssp gulfensis x S. x excellens) x S. leuco
  • Sarracenia mitchelliana x excellens
  • Sarracenia x excellens x leucophylla
  • Sarracenia x excellens x moorei
  • (Sarracenia x excellens) x S. leucophylla
  • Sarracenia (wrigleyana X excellens) X minor

Interesting Interactions

• Sarracenia x excellens is a carnivorous plant, trapping insects in its pitcher-shaped leaves.

Further Information

• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers help and information on Sarracenia excellens.
• Additional information may be found on iNaturalist.org.