The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is endemic to the Atlantic coastal plain of North America, where it is highly localized to southeastern North Carolina and the adjacent northeastern part of South Carolina,  within a 100km radius around the city of Wilmington on the N.C. coast.

The plants often grow on a moist sand surface, usually with other carnivorous plants in the region.  The most common species found with the Venus flytrap are sundews (Drosera capillaris) and bladderworts (Utricularia subulata). Some pitcher plants (Sarracenia flava) also grow in the area.