Bugs: beware the beautiful sundew

Listed under the heading, “Curious Fleshy Plants with Specialized Growth Habits,” in the “Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs” is the magnificent and miniature round-leaved sundew. One of a group of insectivorous (insect-eating) plants, the delicate and deadly plant grows primarily in acidic bogs, swamps and marshes.

Of no harm to humans, this plant was used in the past as teas or in tinctures to treat asthma, bronchitis and arteriosclerosis. Its juices were used to treat corns and warts and it contains antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Between June and August, the carnivorous plant produces white or pinkish flowers that rise on stalks above its base of mucilaginous leaves.

Sundews belong to a genus of carnivorous plants containing 170 species. Other sundews found in the region are the threadleaf and spoonleaf sundews. They are often overlooked due to their low-growing ways and preferred habitat. Populations have decreased due to increasing development and harvesting of peat moss from bogs. In the state of New York, round-leaved sundews are classified as “exploitably vulnerable,” one listing below “endangered.”