Deadly Beauty: The Carnivores that Bloom in the Bog
Fiona looks at those plants that eat insects for dinner
For intrepid adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, exploring Highland bogs can offer a unique opportunity to witness some amazing carnivorous plants in their natural habitat.
As you peer into the damp recesses of the wetlands habitat, keep a keen eye out for the delicate blooms of the Butterwort and the glistening tendrils of the Sundew, which can be seen blooming easily from May-July.
Butterwort & Sundew
In the damp, nutrient poor and acidic environment of upland bog - the Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris) reigns supreme as a master of adaptation. Getting on your knees on the damp earth will reveal the Butterwort's glistening leaves the secret to its carnivorous nature. Adorned with sticky glandular hairs, the leaves ensnare unsuspecting insects lured by the plant's sweet nectar. Once trapped, the Butterwort's leaves secrete enzymes that dissolve the prey, providing the plant with the essential nutrients lacking in the boggy habitat.
The butterwort blooms with beautiful purple flower - that looks as innocent as an orchid like at first glance, but this of course belies its deadly nature.
Other carnivorous bog plants found in the Scottish Highlands are in the sundew family the Round- Leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and the Spatulate-leaved Sundew or Spoonleaf Sundew (Drosera intermedia) are miniature predators with a voracious appetite for insects.
A tiny, slender plant, its reddish leaves are covered in red hair-like trichomes. The flowers - which appear from June- bloom at the top of it’s red stems. The round-leaved sundew can be distinguished from the oblong-leaved sundew by the rounder shape of its leaves. Like the Butterwort, the Sundew also uses a combination of adhesive secretions and enzymatic digestion to capture the helpless victim, fueling its own growth and reproduction. Sundews are capable of killing a trapped insect within approximately 15 minutes, although the digestion process may span several weeks.
Folklore and Magic
Few plants hold as much enchantment as these bog plants. The Butterwort was revered for its purported magical properties, serving as both a guardian against malevolent spirits (and an ingredient in the age-old craft of cheese making)!
Legend has it that those who carried this mystical plant would be shielded from the dark arts, while its presence under the milk pail, or rubbed into the udders of lactating cows ensured that the precious liquid remained untainted by the whims of mischievous sprites - hence the name butterwort!
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One particular tale, which hails from the Isle of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides:
In a remote cottage, a group of vigilant women stood watch over a newborn babe, their hearts filled with dread at the thought of fairies stealing the child away and leaving a changeling in its stead. As the night wore on two ethereal figures materialised at the infant's cradle. With whispered incantations and gleaming eyes, they sought to spirit the child away into the realm of the fae. But to their dismay, their efforts were in vain. For the child's mother, wise to the ways of the supernatural, had partaken of butter made from the milk of a cow that had grazed upon Butterwort-laden pastures.
The dewy substance that oozes from the Round-leaved Sundew was once used as a key ingredient in anti-aging potion, as it was thought to be a fountain of youth and virility, with the plant remaining dewy and glistening even under the harshest sunlight. There is indeed some scientific evidence that shows this plant family actuallyhas anti-inflammatory effects on human tissues, so there may be support for this…albeit tenuous.
The importance of preserving the Highland Bogs for plantlife
In an era of environmental uncertainty, protecting the fragile habitats of the Scottish Highland bogs (which has the largest blanket bog in Europe!) has never been more critical. More than 20% of Scotland is covered by peat and much of our drinking water filters through these peatland catchments making them crucial for our drinking water. Peatlands also hold most of Scotland’s carbon store (they are estimated to hold the equivalent of 140 years’ worth of Scotland’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions), and so are vital in helping us to tackle climate change.
In England, common butterwort has become largely extinct in many areas due to land drainage and changes in agricultural practices. Although it is widespread across the northern and upland regions of Europe and North America, it is also increasingly becoming scarce in other locations as well. The challenges of seedling establishment are significant, attributed to the small seed size which offers minimal reserves, and the rarity of suitable, competition-free wet sites. Furthermore, the growth of the plant is severely restricted by water availability, making suitable habitats for butterwort fragmented and dry spells can be devastating. Consequently, many populations are isolated and at a high risk of extinction. The sundew is fairing much better, but also relies on the same habitat.
Discover more Intriguing Plant Life in your area on our Ranger Walks
Venture into the enchanting world beneath your feet, a landscape teeming with unique and varied plant life. Our guided walks offer a fantastic opportunity to explore these fascinating habitats up close. Join our expert guides who will help you interpret the complex and delicate bog, woodland and verge ecosystems, uncovering the secrets of plants like the carnivorous common butterwort and the hardy sphagnum moss.
These walks offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature and have a unique educational experience that highlights the ecological significance and the conservation efforts needed to protect these areas.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious newcomer, our guided events provide insights and discoveries for everyone. Come experience the beauty and learn about the other incredible species that call these landscapes home.
Join us and connect with nature in a new and profound way
Fiona MacLean is the dedicated North Lochaber Ranger with over two decades of experience in preserving the natural beauty of the region. With a profound passion for the environment, Fiona excels in engaging with the community, to ignite curiousity, appreciation and understanding of Scotland’s unique landscapes. Join Fiona as she continues to explore and protect the countryside, inspiring us all to cherish and sustain our natural heritage.