Hooded Pitcher Plant

	Family: Sarraceniacae. Genus: Sarracenia Common Name : Hooded pitcher plant; French, Sarracene minor. Origin: Southeastern United States
	Habitat: As with other species of Sarraacenia, the Hooded pitcher plant grows best in damp areas, but it’s not uncommon to find this species growing in dry areas. Its natural habitats include savannas and sparse pine forests.
	Description: The leaves grow into almost perfectly cylindrical trumpets, that turn from light green to a reddish-brown towards the hood as the plant matures. The characteristic white spots are visible even on the juvenile foliage but become more prominent with maturity. The spots are caused by a lack of chlorophyll. The leaves range in sizes up to 3 feet in height. The top of the leaf is curved over the opening of the trap to form a hood, which gives the hooded pitcher plant its name. Under the hood are nectar glands which attract insects. When insects enter the opening of the trap, they are unable to turn back because of downward pointing hairs which direct them further into the trap. These insects are then digested by glands at the bottom of the trap. The flowers appear early in the growing season and are generally shorter than the foliage. Their narrow petals are commonly pale yellow in color, that spread outwards instead of hanging as in other species and are not fragrant. After being pollinated, seeds mature in approximately three months. These should be stored through the winter in a cool place preferable a refrigerator. In the spring the seeds should be sewn on the surface of damp peat. Germination occurs rapidly but young seedlings should not be allowed to dry out. These grow slowly and won’t fully mature until the plant is approximately five years old. As with the other species of Sarracenia the plant may be reproduced by dividing the rhizome into segments. Plants produced in this manner will form a mature plant in approximately three years.
	Cultivation: Sarracenia minor may be cultivated in sphagnum or peat. No fertilizers are necessary and may result in the death of the plant. The medium should remain damp at all times even during dormant periods. Non chlorinated water should be used to avoid damaging the plant. If you have chlorinated water, allow it to sit out for 48 hours before use. If cultivated indoors, a southerly exposure will be necessary for proper plant health. Sarracenia minor is a perennial plant and can be grown quite easily outdoors, where it will be easy to capture it own nutrients.
	Prey: S. minor , like all other species in the Sarracenia family, attracts many winged insects, but, also catches a large number of ants.
	Pest and Diseases: Numerous insects can attack this species, aphids being the primary offender. Any insect problem that may arise can be easily treated with Orthene, which can be purchased your local garden center. . The hooded pitcher plant is also susceptible to fungus which usually occurs on older growth due in part to the nectar which the plant produces. Powdery mildew commonly occurs towards the end of the growing season especially on plants grown in high humidity. This may be treated with Daconil 2787 which may also be purchased at your local garden center. Simply follow the directions on the label.