Utricularia bisquamata
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lentibulariaceae · Type: Perennial
Utricularia bisquamata is a California perennial in the Lentibulariaceae family, recognized by distinctive flower colors diagnostic.
Utricularia bisquamata is a naturalized perennial carnivorous plant found in moist acid wetlands at elevations below 1,200 meters, introduced by horticulturists. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces delicate lilac or violet flowers with yellow and white patches, featuring a distinctive lower lip larger than the upper lip. Growing with thread-like creeping stems in wet substrates, it forms small plants with simple leaves less than 15 millimeters long and narrow thread-like stems. Its leaves are flattened and entire, with rounded tips and tiny bladders characteristic of carnivorous plants. The flower's spur is variable in shape, ranging from straight to gently curved, creating an intricate and distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive flower colors diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist acid wetlands, introduced with other carnivorous plants by horticulturists
Elevation: < 1200 m
Outside California: southern Africa and Madagascar
Bloom period
Utricularia bisquamata blooms Jun-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Pinguicula: Utricularia has yellow flowers and grows aquatic, while Pinguicula has blue-violet flowers on land.; vs Proboscidea: Utricularia has thread-like dissected parts in water, while Proboscidea has large solid leaves on land.; vs Mimulus: Utricularia has finely dissected underwater parts, while Mimulus has normal solid leaves.; vs Limosella: Utricularia has thread-like dissected parts, while Limosella has simple spoon-shaped leaves.; vs Synthyris: Utricularia is aquatic with dissected parts, while Synthyris is terrestrial with simple toothed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
When does Utricularia bisquamata bloom?
Utricularia bisquamata blooms Jun-Sep.
What plant family does Utricularia bisquamata belong to?
Utricularia bisquamata is in the Lentibulariaceae family, genus Utricularia.
What habitat does Utricularia bisquamata grow in?
Utricularia bisquamata grows in Moist acid wetlands, introduced with other carnivorous plants by horticulturists.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.