Savage Garden: Thread-leaved Sundew

Thread-leaved Sundew (Drosera filiformis) is a species of sundew found along the Eastern seaboard. Found in wet, sandy and coastal areas, Thread-leaved sundew has long, stringy leaves that are reddish in color and covered in sticky tipped tentacles. Insects are drawn to the sweet droplets that form on the tips of each stalk, but are caught up in the sticky liquid that is filled with digestive enzymes and slowly digests the prey.

The flowers of this carnivorous plant grow on tall stakes, set high above the sticky leaves of the plant. These flowers are thus able to be pollinated or self pollinate without danger of pollinators being consumed.

Southern Thread-leaved Sundew (Drosera traci) is a species of sundew found especially in the southeast US. This sundew looks similar to filiformis but grows taller and lacks the red coloring in its leaves. The dewy tentacles of traci and the flowers are white in color, helping to distinguish the plant by sight.

Drosera "California Sunset" (Drosera x californica) is a fertile hybrid created by Joe Mazrimas that is a cross of Thread-leaved Sundew and Southern Thread-leaved Sundew. The fertility of this hybrid going to show how closely related these two species are.

More Information

• Growing Drosera filiformis and Drosera tracyi Article from the ICPS
• North American Drosera Article from the ICPS