Most people don’t realize the only place in America where the carnivorous plant commonly known as the Venus Flytrap grows in the wild is in North Carolina. And if that comes as a complete surprise, imagine a visit to Carolina Beach State Park, where four species of carnivorous plants are year-round residents of this unofficial botanical classroom.
Located on Pleasure Island in New Hanover, this beautiful state park is celebrating 50 years in 2019. It’s situated along the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway and has ideal conditions for four types of carnivorous plants to thrive year-round.
Google local/Jayme Warner
Everyone’s favorite sweetheart when it comes to carnivorous plants, the Venus Flytrap abundantly grows and reproduces all over the park.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
It’s so prevalent, there is even a Venus Flytrap Trail where you’ll see not only this chomp-happy plant, but others.
alltrail/Laurel Morris
The Pitcher Plant, also carnivorous, traps its prey with nectar and then drowns the unsuspecting insect in the digestive fluids found at the bottom of the “pitcher.” It’s a spectacular sight if you happen to see it in person.
TripAdvisor/Julie C
But don’t worry about little fingers or pets around these carnivorous plants. The kiddos and puppy dogs will be fine.
TripAdvisor/CammyJo
The typical meal for the four carnivorous plants found at Carolina Beach State Park consists of insects and arthropods.
TripAdvisor/Jan
Another of the insect-eating plants has a name that’s right out of a Harry Potter novel. Butterwort (pinguicula moranensis) has super sticky leaves that attract prey so they can vamp up their nutrition. During colder weather, the Butterwort retreats back to a clump of scaly leaves on the ground.
Wikimedia/Noah Elhardt
Yet another plant plucked from the pages of a Harry Potter novel is the Bladderwort. Throughout the world, there are 233 species of this carnivorous gem. Most live in wet environments. Unlike their land-based counterparts, Bladderworts love microorganisms found in the water and will capture them in their bladder-like traps.
Wikimedia/Meneerke bloem
Although the last two carnivorous plants are much less prevalent in this state park, they do exist. Have you spotted any of the four carnivorous plants commonly found here?
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
Did you know this state park was like a botanical paradise for carnivorous plants? What other things do you love about Carolina Beach State Park? Feel Free to join the discussion.
Google local/Jayme Warner
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
alltrail/Laurel Morris
TripAdvisor/Julie C
TripAdvisor/CammyJo
TripAdvisor/Jan
Wikimedia/Noah Elhardt
Wikimedia/Meneerke bloem
Address: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428
For another incredible hidden park that’s home to loads of Venus Flytraps, continue reading here!
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