Round-leaved sundew

The carnivorous lifestyle of the round-leaved sundew makes this heathland plant a fascinating species. The round leaves have sticky, 'dew'-covered tendrils that tempt in unsuspecting insects as prey.

Scientific name

Drosera rotundifolia

When to see

June to August

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 20cm

Conservation status

Common.

Habitats

About

The round-leaved sundew is a strange and beautiful plant that can be found sitting among the soggy sphagnum mosses at the shores of bog pools, on wet heaths and peaty moors. A tiny, slender plant, it stands out from the crowd because of its diet. Hair-like tendrils on each reddish leaf are tipped with glistening droplets that attract passing insects. But this 'dew' is very sticky, trapping the insect; the sundew's tendrils detect the presence of its stuck prey and curl inwards to engulf it. Eventually, the whole leaf wraps around the insect which is digested. The acidic habitats the round-leaved sundew lives in don't provide enough nutrients, so it has evolved this carnivorous way of life to supplement its diet.

How to identify

The greeny-red leaves of the round-leaved sundew are covered in red 'hairs' and arranged at the base of the plant in a rosette. The white or pink flowers appear in summertime at the top of hairless, red stems. The round-leaved sundew can be distinguished from the oblong-leaved sundew by the rounder shape of its leaves.

Distribution

Common in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Found in England, but mainly in the South West and North West.

Did you know?

The 'dew' of round-leaved sundews once formed the basis of anti-ageing potions as people believed it was a source of youth and virility - the sundew itself glistening and moist even in the most fierce sun. Later on, the plant was also used as a love charm because of its power to lure and trap helpless insects.

The Wildlife Trusts are working to restore and protect our heathlands by promoting good management, clearing encroaching scrub and implementing beneficial grazing regimes. This work is vital if these habitats are to survive.