Pinguicula vulgaris aka Common Butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris, or common butterwort, is a small carnivorous perennial. It belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family and grows in temperate regions. Its range spans Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Wild plants grow in bogs, damp places, and on wet rocks. They tend to avoid shaded sites.

The plant forms a low, star-like rosette of pale yellow-green leaves. Its leaves release a sticky fluid that traps small prey. The leaf edges curl inward to help hold the catch. The foliage dies back rather than staying green all year. RHS lists a garden height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its spread reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. Plants form clumps and take two to five years to mature.

Purple flowers appear from May to July. Each flower has a funnel shape and a white, speckled throat. The flowers add colour above the low leaf rosettes. Damp bog gardens suit its needs and small scale. RHS also lists it for houseplant, greenhouse, and conservatory use. Its insect-catching leaves offer interest beyond the flowering season.

For cultivation, RHS advises bright light filtered from strong sun. Its wider site guidance allows full sun or partial shade. It accepts acid or neutral soils, including clay, loam, and sand. Keep the plant moist, with ample water during active growth. Reduce watering in winter. RHS suggests equal parts peat substitute, coarse sand, perlite, and dolomitic limestone chips. It gives the plant an H6 hardiness rating. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 3–7. No pruning is needed, and pests and diseases are seldom problems. Sow ripe seed on damp sphagnum moss with gentle warmth. Resting buds can also be divided in late winter.

Plants For A Future records a limited food-related use. Fresh leaves serve as a curdling agent for plant milks. This does not establish the leaves as a food themselves. The same source reports no known hazards, but gives no pet-specific safety evidence. It records past herbal use for coughs and skin complaints. Those reports do not establish that such treatments work. The leaves also yield a colouring material. Plants For A Future does not flag the species as weedy.