Butterworts   GENUS Pinguicula

Pinguicula macroceras ssp. nortensis

The plants of P. macrocerus ssp nortensis growing in northern California. The plants prefer cooler climate and often found alongsiof Darlingtonia in southwestern Oregon. A leaf is typically light green but some individuals with slight to moderate maroon colored leaves are not unusual. The leaf edges are generally not as rolled as in  some southeastern species. 

Traditionally classified as P. vulgaris, the species growing in California, Oregon, western Canada, all the way to the southern half of Alaska, as well as in Japan, is now recognized as P. macroceras. The small populations in California and the adjacent Oregon are given sub-species designation (ssp. nortensis). 

The leaf surface is an effective stomach for the butterworts.

When a prey is caught on the leaf surface, the area underneath the catch tends to form a slightly dished form. If a prey is caught near the leaf edge, the leaf tends to curl up a little. This dishing effect upon prey capture is common on butterworts in general, but appears more noticeable in this species due to the flatness of the leaf.

Flowering season for this species understandably varies depending on location (as late as July in Alaska). In northern California and the adjacent southwestern Oregon habitats, the plants (ssp. nortensis) bloom in March to April. A dark, chocolate colored scapes grows to 15 cm supporting a single, purple flower.

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