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General Information

Darlingtonia Californica, (commonly known as a Cobra Lily, because of its resemblance to a cobra about to strike), has a trapping mechanism similar to the Sarracenia.  However in the case of Darlingtonia the plant incorporates a 180° twist within the stem, so the mouth of the pitcher always faces away from the centre of the plant. 

The hood completely covers the top of the pitcher, and consists of many translucent areas, perhaps giving insects an apparent escape route from within the hood.  These translucent areas continue down the back of the pitcher for a short distance. 

The forks and mouth of the pitcher are heavily 'baited' with nectar, enticing insects - both crawling and flying - into the hood from where they invariably descend into the pitcher itself. 

Early in Spring the plants produce tall purplish to red flowers, which generally need to be hand pollinated if they are to produce any seed.  Seed production is normally sporadic at best, and with the flowers being so unusual and delicate they are highly sought after for flower arrangements. 

Darlingtonia is native to the mountains of North California and Southern Oregon in the USA.  It is is the only species in its genus, though its trapping mechanism is almost identical to that of Sarracenia.  Under the correct conditions the pitchers can grow to a height of 1 metre, though this is rarely achived in cultivation. 

Darlingtonia's are extremely hardy, able to withstand not only high summer temperatures but also freezing conditions during the winter months without coming to any harm.