Yellow Trumpet

	Family: Sarraceniaceae Genus: Sarracenia Common Name : Yellow Trumpet, French, Sarracene a fleurs janunes. Origin: Southeastern United States (Virginia to Florida, favoring coastal plains).
	Habitat: This species is found in damp, even swampy locations, usually in the presence of spaghnum moss. It can be seen growing in fields among other short plants and grasses. May be seen growing in side ditches or anywhere sufficient moisture is present. It may also occur in a woodland setting but this is rare because of its light requirements.
	Description: The leaves of Sarracenia flava are shaped like tubular trumpets, are erect with a hood covering. The mature height may reach 4 feet. These leaves grow from a rhizome which grows at the surface of the soil. Each rhizome will produce 3 to 5 trumpet shaped leaves annually then will grow winter leaves (phyllodes) in the fall. When grown in full sun, these leaves are thick and firm which makes them fairly resistant to wind and rain. The hood generally keeps the rain water from entering the trumpet, so it will be less likely to fall over. Sarracenia flava is a passive pitfall plant, it doesn’t have to move to capture its insects. The insects are attracted by nectar produced by glands around the outer edge of the hood and underneath the hood where it attaches to the mouth of the trumpet. Nectar is also produced around the rim of the trumpet and along the wing formed where the two leaf-edges join. Any escape for insects venturing inside is virtually impossible. Victims have no alternative but to make their way downwards where they end up being digested by enzymes and bacteria. Most of the trumpet tubes will become completely full of insects in the season of growth. The flowers of the yellow trumpet are bore in the springtime usually before any of the new trumpets appear. The flower stalks usually are taller than the trumpets with bright yellow or yellow-green flowers and petals. The flower is structured so that it will be crossed pollinated naturally by insects. The flower is in an inverted position and its ovary adjoins the stalk at the top. Attached to the ovary, is a style shaped like a five-pointed umbrella. Each point is a tiny stigma. Around the ovary are the stamens whose ripe pollen falls into the umbrella, but not on the stigmas. After pollination occurs, you may collect the seed after the ovary turns brown and before it splits, releasing the seeds. These seed should be stored in a cool dry place, until spring, when they should be sewn on damp peat and kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually occurs in about 2 to 3 weeks. Don’t transplant your seedlings until after their first trumpet-shaped leaves appear.
	Cultivation: For compost you may use peat, live or dead sphagnum or any combination, thereof. Do not add fertilizer to the soil, or water it with any liquid fertilizers, for the plant will catch anything it needs for nutrients. You may cause serious injury to your plant with a fertilizer. Also do not use chlorinated water, because the chemicals will build up in the soil, causing damage or death to your plant. If you only have chlorinated water, allow it to sit out for 48 hours before using. The soil must be kept constantly damp at all times during the growing period, and not allowed to dry out completely when dormant.
	Prey: The Yellow Trumpet attracts all sorts of winged insects, such as flies, wasps and bees and other related insects. Larger trumpets have been known to capture small birds.
	Pest and Diseases: When grown indoors, your plant may be attacked by aphids, mealy bugs or scale. Any insect problem can be eliminated by treatment with Orthene, a product of Ortho, which can be purchased through your local garden center. Fungus may also become a problem, later in the growing season. It can be eliminated by treating the plant with Daconil 2787, which is also an Ortho product and can be purchased at your local garden center.