Darlingtonia californica

Description:

Also known as cobra lily, this insectivorous plant lives in bogs and "seeps," surviving heat and drought by maintaining viability of its root system in adverse conditions. As a carnivorous plant, it produces a digestive enzyme in the "pitcher," although it was once thought that Darlingtonia relied on symbiotic bacteria. The hairs inside the pitcher are like the cells of the root system and can move nutrients to the plant

Habitat:

on a hillside seep along a dry road next to the river

Notes:

This is along on of our favorite drives. This is the first time conditions have been perfect for them to exist when we are there. In prior years it was either too cold, too hot or too dry Photo 4 shows the hillside they were growing on, with water seeping out of the rocks to a small creek alongside the edge of the road. 5 shows the Smith River