Genus: DARLINGTONIA

A monotypic genus confined to the western slopes of the North Rockies in California and Oregon, USA. As this species grows at some considerable altitude, and experiences melt water from the snow caps all year round, it is not tolerant of hot, dry conditions. The UK climate seems better suited to it than most US climatic zones which restrict its native habitat and divide it from its closest relatives, the Sarracenia of the East and South-East US coasts.


Species: D. californica Common Name: Cobra Lily
Distribution: California & Oregon, USA
Well described by its common name (though no relation to the Liliaceae,) this plant bears a striking resemblance to a Cobra, rearing up and ready to strike with its bulbous pitchers each bearing a pair of green 'fangs', tinged with red in full sun.The pitcher lids are inflated and inturned to provide a downward pointing lobster pot, with the upper surfaces dotted with many small, clear windows to provide a baffling multitude of light sources within the pitcher. Insects that venture this far will almost inevitably become confused and fall into the pitcher from which there is no escape.

Cultivation: This species requires cool roots all year, and is exceptionally hardy (down to -25ºC at least!) Thrives best as a pond marginal or planted in large pots kept cool. Use 2:1 peat:sand, kept very wet, and allow full sun provided temperatures don't exceed 32ºC.

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