Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Sundew family (Droseraceae)
Venus Flytrap is a carnivorous prostrate herb, arising from a basal rosette, reaching up to 4-6 inches in diameter. The lime green to red (redder in strong sun) leaves have two lobes hinged at the midrib (clamshell-like) and flat heart-shaped stalks. The margins of the lobes have stiff hair-like bristles, which help keep large prey inside. Nectar glands line the margins to entice insects inside. They have tiny hairs that trigger the leaf to close when an insect goes across it. The insect would have to touch at least 2 hairs or the same hair within 20 seconds of each other for the leaf to close. The trap reopens within 12 hours if they prey escapes. Each leaf can only close about 7 times before dying, though only 2-4 times if prey is caught each time. Once the trap closes completely, enzymes are secreted to digest the prey in place. Nutrients are then absorbed through the leaf surface. Mostly preys upon ants, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, and other anthropods. Can live for 20-30 years. The white flowers bloom at the top of a relatively long slender stalk. Flowers in May and June. Native to nutrient-poor acidic sandy bogs, wet pine flatwoods, and ditches in southeastern NC and northeastern SC. Frequently grown as a cultivated plant. Also known as Venus's flytrap, Venus' flytrap, and meadow clams.

Listed as species of special concern in NC.