Pinguicula lutea Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Pinguicula lutea Walter – Yellow Butterwort

Pinguicula lutea plant

FamilyLentibulariaceae

Stems:

Pinguicula lutea scapeClose-up of flowering scape.

Leaves:

Pinguicula lutea basals

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Pinguicula lutea flower

Pinguicula lutea calyxCalyx.

Flowering – March – April.

Habitat – Pine flatwoods, bogs.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This interesting little species can be found in just a handful of southern Alabama counties. The plant is fire dependent and thrives in pine flatwoods that burn frequently. The species can be identified by the wide leaves of its rosette and its big yellow flowers.
The genus name Pinguicula derives from the Latin “pingu(i)” meaning “fat, stout” and “cul(a)” meaning “little” referring to the somewhat fat leaves of the plant.
The species epithet lutea derives from the Latin “lut(i)” meaning “mud, mud-colored, yellow” referring to the flower color.

Alabama Distribution:

Pinguicula lutea map

Photographs taken in the Apalachicola National Forest, Liberty County, FL., 3-30-05.