Thursday, 31 May 2012

Zone 3 Flowers: Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)



Description: The leaves are the most noteworthy portion of this modest, yet charming plant. The glossy appearance is from a sticky substance on the leaves, which traps unsuspecting insects and then the leaf enfolds and digests the insect. The Genus name Pinguicula means "little fat one" in Latin; this is because of the "fatty" glossy leaves. The common name Steepgrass originated in Europe (Ireland in particular), where it was steeped in Milk to curdle it. The name Valentine's Flower came from its use as a dream-enhancer. If you had someone in mind you would like to dream about, you could greatly improve your chances of seeing them in your dreams by putting a butterwort flower under your pillow.

Hardy: Zone 3

Bloom Time: June - August

Height: 4-5''

Spacing: 6''

Sun Needs: Full sun 

Water Needs: High

Outstanding Features: Medicinal value, check out info in it here and here

Uses: Wet areas, bogs, rain forest, fern gardens, wet rock gardens

Tips: None noted

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