Sarracenia × moorei
Moore's pitcher plant
Southeastern United States (Gulf Coastal Plain)
Overview
Sarracenia x moorei is a carnivorous, rhizomatous perennial pitcher plant of hybrid origin between S. flava and S. leucophylla. It forms clumps of tall, erect, trumpet-shaped pitchers 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) high, taking the height of S. flava and the white-and-red patterning of S. leucophylla. The upper pitcher and the rounded lid are netted with white windows and red veining over a yellow-green to red ground, while the throat carries nectar that lures insects. Prey fall into the tube and are digested in fluid at the base, supplying nitrogen the plant cannot draw from poor bog soil. In early spring, before the main pitchers expand, nodding yellow flowers 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) across open on tall leafless stalks. The plant needs full sun, constant moisture, and acidic, nutrient-poor soil, and grows standing in shallow water at bog edges. It tolerates neither lime, fertilizer, nor drying out, and enters a winter dormancy when the pitchers brown. Spring pitchers carry the strongest patterning of the year.
Native Range
The hybrid occurs where its parent species grow together in the bogs and wet pinelands of the southeastern United States, mainly the Gulf Coastal Plain. It is found in seepage bogs, wet savannas, and ditch margins on acidic, sandy peat.Suggested Uses
Grown in bog gardens, at pond and water-garden margins, and in wet containers without drainage holes, in full sun. Kept by carnivorous-plant collectors for its tall patterned pitchers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Nodding yellow flowers 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) across open in early spring, often March to April, on tall leafless stalks before the main pitchers grow. Each flower lasts one to two weeks. Flowering ends as the tall spring pitchers expand.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Yellow-green to red with white windows and red veiningGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in constantly wet, acidic, nutrient-poor soil such as a peat-and-sand mix, standing in 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water in the growing season. Watering uses only rain or distilled water, as tap-water minerals and any fertilizer harm the roots. Full sun develops the strongest pitcher colour and patterning, while shade leaves pitchers green and floppy. A cool winter dormancy is needed, when the pitchers brown and the rhizome rests. It is hardy in the ground through about USDA zones 6–9 with a wet, mulched crown. Letting the soil dry out, even briefly, can kill it.Pruning
Dead and browned pitchers are trimmed off in late winter before new growth begins. Spent flower stalks are cut at the base after bloom. Removing old material lowers fungal problems in the wet crown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons