Oblong-Leaved Sundew
(Drosera intermedia)
Oblong-Leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)
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© Chris Alice "Alie" Kratzer
CC BY-SA 4.0
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© Chris Alice "Alie" Kratzer
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: © Chris Alice "Alie" Kratzer | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: humanbyweight | Publisher: iNaturalist |

















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Drosera intermedia, commonly known as the Oblong-leaved Sundew, is a perennial herbaceous carnivorous plant native to acidic wetlands such as bogs, fens, and swamps in Europe, southeastern Canada, the eastern United States, Cuba, and northern South America. It typically forms a basal rosette of narrow, spatulate leaves that are covered with sticky, glandular hairs designed to attract, capture, and digest insects, supplementing its nutrient intake from the nutrient-poor soils of its native habitat. The Oblong-leaved Sundew blooms from June to August, producing small, white to pinkish flowers that are held above the foliage on slender, erect stalks. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy when viewed up close.
This plant is valued for its unique insect-trapping mechanism and is often grown by carnivorous plant enthusiasts. It requires a consistently moist or wet environment, mimicking its natural boggy habitat, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. The soil should be acidic and low in nutrients, often a mix of peat and sand is used in cultivation. While it is not commonly used in traditional garden settings, it can be a fascinating addition to a bog garden or terrarium. Care should be taken to avoid fertilizing and to use rainwater or distilled water, as tap water can be harmful. The Oblong-leaved Sundew is generally free from diseases but can be sensitive to improper watering and poor air circulation.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its unique insect-trapping mechanism and is often grown by carnivorous plant enthusiasts. It requires a consistently moist or wet environment, mimicking its natural boggy habitat, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. The soil should be acidic and low in nutrients, often a mix of peat and sand is used in cultivation. While it is not commonly used in traditional garden settings, it can be a fascinating addition to a bog garden or terrarium. Care should be taken to avoid fertilizing and to use rainwater or distilled water, as tap water can be harmful. The Oblong-leaved Sundew is generally free from diseases but can be sensitive to improper watering and poor air circulation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.1-0.25 feet
- Width: 0.1-0.25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Standing
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Acidic wetlands such as bogs, fens, and swamps
Other Names
Common Names: Sundew, Oblong-leaved sundew, Oblong-Leaf Sundew, Spatulate-Leaved Sundew, Spoonleaf Sundew
Scientific Names: , Drosera intermedia, Drosera americana, Drosera capillaris subsp. brasiliensis, Drosera capillaris var. brasiliensis, Drosera foliosa, Drosera intermedia f. corymbosa, Drosera intermedia f. elatior, Drosera intermedia f. gracilis, Drosera intermedia f. intermedia
GBIF Accepted Name: