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Darlingtonia aka Cobra Lily

Darlingtonia californica

Photo by Tera2
Published on Project Noah
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41.8552, -123.89

Field Notes

Description:

Darlingtonia californica, also called the California pitcher plant, cobra lily, or cobra plant, is a species of carnivorous plant, the sole member of the genus Darlingtonia in the family Sarraceniaceae. It is native to Northern California and Oregon growing in bogs and seeps with cold running water. This plant is designated as uncommon due to its rarity in the field.[1]

The name "cobra lily" stems from the resemblance of its tubular leaves to a rearing cobra, complete with a forked leaf - ranging from yellow to purplish-green - that resemble fangs or a serpent's tongue.

The plant was discovered in 1841 by the botanist William D. Brackenridge at Mount Shasta. In 1853 it was described by John Torrey, who named the genus Darlingtonia after the Philadelphian botanist William Darlington (1782–1863).

In cultivation in the UK this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[2][3]

Habitat:

Botanical Trail in Gasquet California

Notes:

Not edible. Anti Fungal.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

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