Utricularia × neglecta
yellow bladderwort
Overview
Utricularia x neglecta is a hybrid bladderwort, a free-floating aquatic carnivorous plant in the genus Utricularia spp.. It has no true roots and drifts below the surface of still water as a tangle of slender, branching stems 12–40 inches (30–100 cm) long, bearing finely divided thread-like leaves. Scattered among the foliage are tiny bladder traps 0.04–0.12 inch (1–3 mm) across that snap shut to capture water fleas, mosquito larvae, and other small invertebrates. In summer, slender stalks rise a few inches above the water carrying bright yellow two-lipped flowers 0.5–0.8 inch (12–20 mm) wide with a small spur. Bloom occurs from June to August. As a hybrid it is largely sterile and spreads by fragmentation and by overwintering buds called turions that sink in autumn and rise again in spring. It grows in nutrient-poor, often acidic still waters such as bog pools, ditches, and pond margins. Pollution and nutrient enrichment of its waters are the main causes of decline.
Native Range
Utricularia x neglecta occurs where its parent species U. vulgaris and U. australis grow together, across Europe and into temperate Asia. It is found in still, nutrient-poor fresh waters including bog pools, fens, ditches, and the shallow margins of ponds and lakes.Suggested Uses
Used in bog gardens, wildlife ponds, and containers of still, soft water. The submerged traps reduce mosquito larvae and the flowers draw small pollinating insects. The plant drifts freely and needs no planting or anchoring.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 3'4"
Bloom Information
Yellow flowers open in summer, from June to August, on stalks held above the water surface. Each two-lipped flower has a short spur and lasts a few days. Bloom is sporadic and depends on warm, sunny, still conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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 still, nutrient-poor fresh water in full sun to part shade, in a soil-free setting as a floating plant. The surrounding water is acidic to neutral, around pH 5.0 to 7.0, and low in dissolved nutrients, since rich or polluted water favours algae that smother the plant. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, the plant survives winter as sunken turions that rise again in spring. It captures tiny invertebrates for nutrients rather than drawing them from roots. Added minerals from tap water or fertiliser harm it, so rainwater or distilled water suits container culture. Crowded growth is thinned to keep the water open.Pruning
Excess growth is thinned by lifting out tangled stems during the growing season. Algae and decaying matter are cleared from the water to keep it open. The plant needs no other pruning.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons