Native to North American bogs, swamps and wetlands. The bog at Riverbanks has many species and cultivars of pitcher plants. They are known as carnivorous plants because they digest insects. Nectar is produced by the plant and entices insects into the tube-like leaves. The insects lose their footing on downward pointing hairs and fall into the bottom of the tube where the digesting enzymes are located.

Once very abundant, these amazing species are threatened due to habitat destruction. In the United States, over 95% of the original carnivorous plant habitats along the southeastern coastal plain are gone. Throughout the world, wetlands are being destroyed at an incredible rate. The most significant losses are through drainage, agricultural and residential run-off and inappropriate management. Since much of their range lies in the most intensely used and populated parts of the USA, Sarracenia communities are among the hardest hit of all wetland plants. It has been estimated that as few as 2.5% of their habitats remain in an anything like healthy condition.

Referred to as elephant ears. These plants are native to tropical Asia but they are root hardy for Riverbanks in zone 8. These plants are about 36" tall and are grown for their very dark purple leaves. They thrive in boggy sites but will grow in garden soil.

This evergreen perennial is commonly referred to as Blue Rush. The leafless stems are blue, making a nice rigid grassy effect all season long. Juncus produces interesting brown flowers in small clusters among foliage, but the foliage is the focus of the plant. It is a native plant typically found in moist, boggy areas or around springs. It grows in full sun or light shade and requires moist soil.

This sea holly is a southern species occurring from southern New Jersey and southward, primarily along the Atlantic coast, and west to Mississippi. It is an aquatic plant found in marshes and bogs. This very easy to grow perennial features iridescent blue, spiny, thistle-like blooms from July to September. It produces beautiful, long lasting flowers that grow to 3-feet tall.

The pineapple lily is a dramatic, tropical-looking accent plant with strap-like foliage of green to dark burgundy. In August, it is topped by a 20"-tall, pineapple-shaped bloom stalk.