The Venus flytrap or Dionaea muscipula is one of the well-known carnivorous plants found naturally grown along the regions of North Carolina. The suitable condition for the growth of Venus flytraps is in humid and soggy conditions, especially around Carolina Bay. The Venus Flytrap was discovered by the governor of North Carolina in 1750. He described the plant as a ” carnivorous vegetable.” Due to its occurrence and popularity in 1934, the Venus flytrap was coined as “the official flower” of the Garden Clubs in North Carolina. The plant was unique and rare in every possible sense, because of which the incidents of poaching became prevalent. In 1951, it was given protection by the legislation to prevent unethically smuggling of the plant. Venus flytrap has been considered a unique plant native to the coastal plains of North Carolina and is legally protected by the State under all conditions. 

Structure Of The Venus Flytrap

The carnivorous plant has a basal rosette with broad distinct leaves. The leaf blades of the plant have highly sensitive lobes with stiff hair on the edges that are approximately 10mm long. The lobes start to close as soon as an insect sits on the lobes. Venus flytrap bear flowers in June and July hanging from short stems from the plant.

Where Are The Venus flytrap Found In North Carolina?

Venus flytraps are inhabitants of the pine regions of the Coastal Plains and Sandhill in the Carolina region. In the Coastal Plains, Venus flytraps are present in the wet and humid soils of the savanna regions. In the Sandhill region, the Venus flytraps lie in between the creeks of small streams. Another great location to find Venus flytraps growing in North Carolina are in places having highly acidic and loamy soils. Carnivorous plants usually prey on beetles, spiders, grasshoppers and other crawling insects. 

North Carolina has more than 30 species of Venus flytrap. The Flytrap Trail in North Carolina with wetlands and longleaf pine. Venus flytraps are present on the side tracks of the trail. Along with Venus flytraps, there are also wildflowers along the Flytrap trail. This trail is approximately 1 mile in length and is an easy hike. Other known counties in North Carolina where you can find Venus Flytrap are Lenoir, Moore and Robeson. In South Carolina, Venus Flytrap is present in Charlestown and Georgetown. 

The Venus flytraps grow in areas having poor nitrogen levels or that have low nutrition content like in savannahs and wetlands. One such area is Brunswick County’s Green Swamp in North Carolina. The main reason for the growth of Venus flytraps in this area is the low amount of nutrition present in the soil. The plant replenishes its nutritional requirement from the insects it traps in its trap. 

In the present scenario, the Venus Flytraps are present in 15 counties in North Carolina. Some of the areas are listed below:

1) Beaufort

2) Onslow

3) New Hanover

4) Pamlico

5) Duplin

Why Venus Flytrap Is A Unique Species Of Plant?

1) The Venus Flytrap Is A “Monotypic Genus”

It is a scientific way to state that it is one of a kind. According to scientists, it does not belong to any genus or family. According to recent speculations, the characteristics of the Venus Flytrap resemble Sundews, another carnivorous plant belonging to the family Dorseraceae. 

2) No Wastage Of Energy

The Venus flytrap has a very synchronized mechanism of action. The two lobes containing stinging hair extensions becomes activated only when an insect touches the two hair at the same time in succession with a gap of only a few seconds. This mechanism helps the plants to be aware of any false alarms, thus saving them a lot of energy. After an insect is trapped in the giant lobes, certain juices are released from the plant helping in its proper digestion. The process of digestion takes about 7 to 10 days. 

3) Need More Fire

Venus Flytraps are tiny plants that grow in open wetlands, wet and humid savannas. To keep their habitat safe and sound, they need frequent fires to clear off small shrubs and trees. Without fire, the ground is inhabited with shrubs and other small plants making it difficult for plants like Venus Flytrap to flourish. They have also been uprooted from their habitat because of poaching. In 2014, the State Law of North Carolina made illegal smuggling of Venus flytrap a felony. However, it still comes under the category of endangered species.

4) Native To North Carolina

The Venus Flytrap is an endemic species found in North Carolina. They are specifically found within 70 miles radius of Wilmington county. Carolina Beach State Park is one of the main areas where you can spot these unique and interesting carnivorous plants. You can also enjoy a mild hike along the Flytrap trail with a guided tour and learn about the characteristics of these plant species. 

5) Selective Trapping

The Venus flytraps are carnivorous and ingest insects. However, they do not trap or kill their pollinators. According to researchers, carnivorous plants undergo pollination with the help of flying insects sitting on the flowers of the Venus flytrap. The vibrant flowers in the plant attract the insects that help in the process of pollination. The Venus Flytrap does not trap flying insects as they do not sit on the hair-like spikes. It traps and ingests the crawling insects. 

Venus Flytraps are the native carnivorous plants of North Carolina. They come under endangered species according to the U.S. federal listings. These species are grown in the soil having low nutrition values and high acidic content. They ingest insects and gain their energy source by digesting them. The average life span of the plant is approximately 20 years. These plants are perennial they flourish every year. We hope that this guide helps you in understanding more about the Venus flytrap and its occurrence in abundance around the North Carolina region.