Utricularia macrorhiza
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: Yes, but not required. Forms turions
Native Range: Southeatern United States
Zones: 4-7 (3-9)
Utricularia macrorhiza, Common Bladderwort, is a large growing, perennial, aquatic bladderwort. 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. This is a great plant for the garden bog pool, and will help reduce the mosquito population.
U. macrorhiza is fast growing, but easier to control than duckweed. It can be an invasive weed in warm climates. Cultures may contain small amounts of other aquatic plants.
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.
