Scientific Note: Evaluating Endangered Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia jonesii) Leaf Morphology and Flowering as Related to Soil Nutrient Status

There is limited information on Sarracenia jonesii, a federally endangered and critically imperiled carnivorous plant. This study provides insight into how soil nutrient status affects this pitcher plant's ability to grow carnivorous leaves and catch its own prey, as well as how it affects the plant's ability to flower and reproduce. Sarracenia jonesii clumps produce more flowers as the number of carnivorous leaves increases. The soil nutrient assessment of this population demonstrated that these carnivorous plants can occupy soil that has high nutrient content potential but low plant-available nutrients, specifically nitrogen. Flowering and the presence of soil ammonium (NH4) did not exhibit a relationship. The growth of non-carnivorous leaves, phyllodia, and the presence of soil NH4 also did not show a significant relationship. A historical assessment of one of the few remaining populations of S. jonesii showed a decline in clumps but showed increased leaf and flower production. This can inform future conservation strategies to ensure plants are propagated and planted in appropriate soil conditions for ideal growth, carnivory, and reproduction.