Large Floating Bladderwort Utricularia inflata
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-trik-u-LAR-ee-uh in-FLAY-tuh
- Description
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Swollen bladderwort is a large aquatic carnivorous plant native to the eastern U.S.A. and found in ponds and ditches in the coastal plain area of NC. It is a member of the bladderwort family (Lentibulariaceae). The species epithet is Latin for "inflated" and refers to the air-filled bladders that keep the plant afloat.
It prefers dark, boggy waters rich in tannins and does best in full sun. In the fall, it forms turions (winter buds), which settle to the bottom and help it survive the winter. In warmer climates, it will continue to grow through the winter.
The distinctive radial floats keep the plant suspended in the water. Each spoke of the float is branched, with bladders in and among the branches. The traps are located in the axils of the branches to catch minute aquatic creatures, including mosquitoes. Its large bright yellow flowers reach above the water from May to November.
This species is easy to grow in a garden water feature. Use it in native plant gardens, children's gardens, and pollinator gardens. It can become weedy and invasive in waterways and has escaped its natural habitat.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Utricularia
- Species:
- inflata
- Family:
- Lentibulariaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- WA, Central and eastern U.S.A.
- Wildlife Value:
- Food for muskrats and waterfowl. Habitat for aquatic invertebrates.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Carnivorous
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Spreading
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a capsule with many seeds July to December
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Yellow snap-dragon-like yellow flowers bloom from May to November in groups of 3-10 above the water.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Finely divided filaments, not necessarily true leaves.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Landscape Theme:
- Children's Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Water Garden
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Problems:
- Weedy
