Sarracenia psittacina, commonly known as the Parrot Pitcher Plant, is a carnivorous perennial herb native to the pine savannas, boggy areas, and flatwoods of the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Georgia. It typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). The plant is characterized by its rosette of tubular pitchers, which are modified leaves that form a unique trapping mechanism. The pitchers are green with red and purple veins, and the upper part is inflated, resembling a parrot’s beak, hence the common name. The flowers are red-purple, blooming from April to May, and are quite showy atop their tall, slender stalks. The plant’s trapping mechanism, similar to Darlingtonia californica, involves small entrances and false exits that confuse and trap insects and water arthropods, which are then digested by enzymes.

The Parrot Pitcher Plant is valued for its unique appearance and insect-trapping abilities, making it a fascinating addition to bog gardens, water features, and collections of carnivorous plants. It requires consistently moist or wet soil conditions and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is often used in cultivation to control insect populations naturally. While it is adapted to nutrient-poor, acidic soils in its native habitat, it can be sensitive to fertilizer and tap water, which may need to be avoided to prevent root burn. It is generally free of diseases but can be affected by root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0