Utricularia inflata
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: Yes, but not required. Forms turions over winter.
Native Range: Southeatern United States
Zones: 4-7 (3-9)
Utricularia inflata, Swollen Bladderwort, is a large growing, perennial, aquatic bladderwort with distinctive radial floats. The floats divide at the ends and branch often bearing multiple traps. It grows suspended in the boggy waters with no roots. Its leaves are finely divided, and interspersed with numerous bladders about 1/8", which turn dark from devouring infusoria, including mosquitoes. It prefers dark, tea colored, boggy waters rich in tannins. It does best in full sun, growing under and among emergent aquatic plants, such as water lilies, frogbit and pickerel weed. Its flowers reach above the water from May to November. They are large and bright yellow. As Fall approaches, it forms turions (winter buds), which settle to the bottom, and help it survive winters. If it is grown in temperatures above 55°F (12°C), it will continue to grow through the winter. It can become weedy and invasive in water bogs. Bladderworts play an important role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a wide range of aquatic animals. Many biologists consider it an indication of good water quality. This is a great plant for the garden bog pool, and will help reduce the mosquito population.
Plants shipped as a 2-4+" sprig with one or more growing tips. In it's dormant season, it will be shipped as a dormant turion.
Length: 18+"
Plant Type: Perennial, temperate
Soil: Bog Water
Light: Bright to partial bright indoors, partial sun outdoors
Use: Grows well indoors and greenhouse. Great for helping to control mosquitoes.
