White Trumpet

	Family: Sarraceniaceae Genus: Sarracenia Common Name : White Trumpet, White-Topped Pitcher Plant; French, Sarracene Blance. Origin: United States (Southwest Georgia, Northwest Florida, and to the west as far as Mississippi).
	Habitat: The plant grows mainly in swampy meadows.
	Description: The leaves are trumpet shaped and, when mature, are up to 3 feet in height. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The leaves grow from rhizomes which grow on the surface of the soil. The pitchers are green at the base and white at the top with green and red veins on the upper sections. The pitcher has a lid which is an extension of the leaf. The undersurface of this lid, has nectar glands which attract insects. They are directed into the pitcher by numerous downward pointing hairs. They are digested by the bacteria and enzymes secreted at the base of the pitcher. The plant flowers early in the spring with the flowers being purplish-red in color and being quite fragrant.
	Cultivation: Plants grow best in a sphagnum-based medium. Peat may also be used. The soil must be kept constantly damp and only slightly drier when dormant. Use non-chlorinated water or allow chlorinated water to sit for 48 hours before use. The plants prefer full sun, which gives them their vivid colors. S. leucophylla is perennial, but in colder climates will go completely dormant.
	Prey: S. leucophylla attracts a large number of insects, mostly winged, such as flies, wasps and bees.
	Pest and Diseases: None serious in the wild, but with indoor cultivation fungus and mildew may be a problem with older growth. Aphids may also settle on the plant. This can be eliminated by spraying with a fungicide. Treat any symptoms with an Ortho product such as Orthene for insects and Daconil 2787 for fungus.