Horned Bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta)

Other Names: Naked Bladderwort

Plant Family: Bladderwort, Lentibulariaceae

Wetland Indicator Status: OBL

Horned Bladderwort Flower
A closeup of the flower of Horned Bladderwort Utricularia cornuta. Not the downward pointing spur on the flower to the right.

Horned Bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta) is a small, carnivoruous plant found on shorelines.  It appears to be naked of leaves, hence its other common name, Naked Bladderwort.  However, there are small leaves at the base.  If not for its showy yellow flowers, it would be easy to overlook.

This species produces small bladders under the soil or substrate that capture tiny organisms.  These creatures are digested and become a source of nutrients for the carnivorous plant.

Horned Bladderwort
Carpet of Horned Bladderwort Utricularia cornuta on an exposed lakebed.