pitcher plant

American  

noun

1. any of various insectivorous New World bog plants of the genera Sarracenia, Darlingtonia, and Heliamphora, having tubular or trumpet-shaped leaves containing a liquid in which insects are trapped.

2. the common pitcher plant, S. purpurea, having red or green leaves and a large, nodding, globular dull-red flower.

3. any of various insectivorous Old World plants of the genus Nepenthes, having leathery leaves each ending in a tendril that bears a lidded, pitcherlike receptacle.

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pitcher plant British  

noun

1. any of various insectivorous plants of the genera Sarracenia , Darlingtonia , Nepenthes , and Cephalotus , having leaves modified to form pitcher-like organs that attract and trap insects, which are then digested See also huntsman's-cup

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Etymology

Origin of pitcher plant

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Keep an eye out for California pitcher plant, a native carnivorous plant.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2025

In Borneo, some mountain-dwelling pitcher plant species have even evolved away from carnivory, changing their diets to fit better into certain niches.

From National Geographic • Feb. 5, 2024

In the case of the East Asian pitcher plant, this mutational freedom may have even fine-turned its ability to capture prey and satisfy its appetite for "meat."

From Science Daily • Nov. 30, 2023

Bauer says that in her work, she hasn’t seen ants with impaired movement after drinking pitcher plant nectar, though others have, and she notes the effect need not be dramatic to benefit the plant.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 29, 2023

Plants and flowers, 41, 42. azaleas, 52. camellias, 52. night-blooming cereus, 50. oxeye daisy, 44. peonies, 53. pitcher plant, 43. tulips, 53.

From Colonial Homes and Their Furnishings by Northend, Mary H.