Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)

Round-leaf sundew, also known as common sundew, is a carnivorous plant from the Droceraceae family. They are found throughout the northern hemisphere (Korea, Japan, North America, Northern Europe, Siberia) and typically grows in bogs, fens, and marshes, wherever moisture is consistent throughout the year. Though they are fairly common (LC), this was my first time seeing them in habitat at Multorpor fen on Mt. Hood with native plant society of Oregon Portland Chapter. The name sundew refers to the dewy, glandular drops at the end of their leaves that glisten in the light. These sugary, glandular tentacles are sticky and allow the plant to attract and trap small insects. Once the insects get attached to its leaves, the plant slowly releases an enzyme to digest the insect for nutrients (proteins, ammonia). The ammonia replaces nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plants that is not available in this habitat. This adaptation is a direct response to their environment, giving it a slight edge over other plants here. Unfortunately, this small butterfly was trapped on its sticky leaves, but plants gotta eat too. The leaves form a reddish-pink basal rosette and are easy to miss if it wasn’t for the bright green sphagnum moss that helped it stand out. The flowers, not shown in these pictures, are tall, five petaled, white/pink, and grow along a hairless stem. This plant was growing alongside many other cool obligate wetland species including bog cranberry, bog orchid, elephant’s head lousewort, and various sedges. One of the coolest plants I’ve seen this summer and highly recommend a visit!