Sarracenia purpurea (Purple Pitcher Plant)

Native to eastern North America, this carnivorous herbaceous perennial grows in acidic, nutrient-poor bogs and other wetlands. Its short, broad pitchers form low rosettes, with openings facing upward to collect rainwater. Nectar attracts insects, which encounter downward-pointing hairs and fall into the water, supplying nutrients to the plant. Slender rhizomes produce offsets that form small colonies. Solitary, nodding red-purple flowers rise above the pitchers. It is invasive in raised bogs in Ireland, where it competes with native plants. Photographed in Armenia, Colombia.