Pinguicula vulgaris, commonly known as the common butterwort, is a carnivorous perennial herb native to fens, bogs, and damp heathlands across Europe, Russia, and North America, including Canada and the northern United States. It is particularly adapted to nutrient-poor, acidic soils found in its native habitats and is often found at low to subalpine elevations. The common butterwort reaches a modest size, with a rosette of basal leaves that are covered in a sticky secretion which traps small insects. This adaptation allows it to supplement the poor nutrient availability in its environment. The plant produces a winter-resting bud, known as a hibernaculum, in cold climates to survive the winter.

The common butterwort is notable for its carnivorous nature, with leaves that serve as both the trap and digestive surface for capturing nitrogen from insects. During the flowering season, which occurs from late spring to early summer, it bears a single purple, occasionally white, funnel-shaped flower on a slender stalk that rises above the rosette. The flowers are modestly showy and add a delicate charm to bog gardens or carnivorous plant collections. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture and can be grown in containers with a suitable peat-based or sphagnum moss medium that mimics its natural boggy conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade and cool temperatures, reflecting its native habitat. While not commonly used in general landscaping, it is a fascinating addition to specialized plantings and educational gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0