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Family:
Nepenthaceae
Description:
Very distinctive smooth tubular leaves hold water to trap nitrogen-rich insects. "Pitchers" have downward facing hairs. Eight to twenty-four inch perennial with red-veined leaves. Flowers are red to green in color. Flowers present May through July.
Location
Found in peat or sphagnum bogs and wet meadows. Ranges from Southern Canada to Florida.
Uses and Parts Used
Roots
Root ingested to treat smallpox, lung, and liver ailments. Also used as an aid in childbirth and as a diuretic.
Leaves
Dried-leaf tea used to treat fever and chills.
Notes
Pitcher-plant was thought to be effective against smallpox by American Indians, but medicinal merit has never been proved.
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