Common Bladderwort
Utricularia macrorhiza
Bladderwort family (Lentibulariaceae)

The web of submerged growth appears to be roots but is the finely divided leaves. They can be coated with pond growth, but the bladders (inflated leaf segments), clearly show and if you clean off the pond growth, you can see the vein-like leaf system. Utricularia macrorhiza is carnivorous; its bladders have a minute opening that traps insects, crustaceans, and Parameciums. Often just the tiny yellow flowers of Utricularia macrorhiza show above the water surface. Careful examination will show you the flower stem system supporting fully opened flowers and a number of buds. Leaves and bladders are submerged. Linnaeus named and described this genus and species in 1753. "Utricularia" is Latin for "a little bag" and refers to the bladder pods. "Macrorhiza" means large roots, which we now know is a misnomer since what appear to be roots are really leaves. There are several other species of this genus in our area.

Description

Perennial herbs without roots, free floating in water. Stems usually floating. Leaves alternate2/5 to 1 1/2" long, divided into numerous angled and very narrow segments. Bladders only 1/25 to 1/5" wide, borne on the leaves. Scapes 3-12" long. Racemes 2-12 flowered. Corolla about 1/2" long with a hornlike spur shorter than the lower lip but conspicuous and somewhat curved.

Field Marks

Bright yellow flowers floating above mass of fibrous stems and leaves.

© Al Schneider