Sarracenia destruction, Part II

[Brassleaves]

Following an observed mass destruction of S. flava in the Mildlands of SC from what appeared to be beavers eating their rhizomes; I decided to post how the site was doing in this late summer. The once large field of S. flava that was growing along the pond in water up to two feet deep was completely non-existent. Since the water level doesn't drop low enough for seeds to take root, I can only assume the plants growing yards out into the pond had grown there through their own rhizome branching and spreading. My biggest regret is not taking a picture of the aquatic field in flower when I had the chance. Good news is that I observed many S. flava along the ponds edge and even on the base of the dead tree trunks several yards out into the water. I'm sure that after a decade or two it will once again be thick with trumpets. All other CPs were not affected whatsoever since they did not grow in the soft mud that made it so easy for the rodents to uproot the plants. Now I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I did taking them!

S. rubra




U. cornuta


S. flava!


S. x catesbaei


S. purpurea var. venosa




D. intermedia(left) and either D. rotundifolia or D. brevifolia(right)


D. intermedia with seedlings sprouting on flower stalk


A once field of trumpets. . .

[Brian Barnes]

Hello Adam,

Thanks for your update! It is good to know that the CP are somewhat recovering in that vicinity. If the flooded area somewhat returns to drier conditions, I'm sure seed will find it's way there eventually...

Also, I do believe that the Drosera in your photo third up from the bottom depicted with D. intermedia is a long-armed D. capillaris...

Happy Growing,

Brian.

[jfowler]

Hey Adam,

Excellent documentation of a hopeful comeback. This wouldn't be Shealys Pond would it? I visited there a few years ago, and I was taken by the wonderful profusion of S. flava and a scattering of S. pupurea as well as the sundews. So rare in the middle of South Carolina.

BTW, I believe the Utricularia you so beautifully photographed might just be U. juncea instead of U. cornuta.

Thanks for sharing this story with us.

[Brassleaves]

Your absolutely right on the Utric. The Utric I mention would have a cluster of flowers on top of the stalk instead of running up the stalk as in the photo. That you both for your help with classifications.