Darlingtonia californica Torr.
California pitcherplant, Cobra Plant
Sarraceniaceae (Pitcherplant Family)
Synonym(s): Chrysamphora californica
USDA Symbol: daca5
Several tubular leaves with hood-like tops grow in a cluster; 1 yellow-green and maroon flower hangs at the tip of a leafless stalk.
Insects, or other small organisms, attracted to the nectar secreted by the hood and appendages, enter the hole beneath the hood. Once inside, numerous down-pointing hairs discourage escape, and they are decomposed by microorganisms in the fluid in the tubular base. Nutrients thus released are absorbed by the Cobra Plant.
From the Image Gallery
Bloom InformationBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
DistributionUSA: CA , OR , WA
Native Distribution: Most of western Oregon to northwestern California and the central Sierra Nevada.
Native Habitat: Coastal bogs and mountain streams and seeps.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Plant identification, green and tube-like
September 18, 2008
LOOKING FOR NAME OF A GREEN TUBE-LIKE PLANT (SHAPED LIKE A CALLA LILY). THE VEINS ARE VISIBLE. MAYBE IN CLUSTER
view the full question and answer
National Wetland Indicator Status
From the National Organizations DirectoryAccording to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Additional resourcesUSDA: Find Darlingtonia californica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Darlingtonia californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Darlingtonia californica
MetadataRecord Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff