On July 3rd 2024, the NC government finally approved the funky new Venus Fly Trap License Plate! This endeavor has been spearheaded by the North Carolina Botanical Garden located in Chapel Hill NC. Funds raised from the license plate will go towards the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation, which focuses on conserving plant habitats and native plant restoration projects.
What you may not know is that Venus Fly Traps (Dionaea muscipula) are actually NATIVE to North Carolina! They’re found in sun-filled acidic, sandy bogs in the eastern part of the state and in a few locations in South Carolina as well. Shockingly, they can be dependent on fire in their ecosystem! Without fire, their competition can eventually outgrow and overtake these diminutive plants.
These intriguing little carnivorous plants are a delight to grow, for children and adults. We enjoy carrying these plants and currently have many in stock, most in 2” sizes making them perfect to set in a dish of rainwater on a sunny windowsill. We also have a helpful Garden Guide on how to grow them (don’t worry about fire ecology with house plants – fortunately nothing needs to be set on fire when you can just move things around to get adequate sunlight or provide supplemental lighting if necessary).
Unfortunately, their populations in the wild have plummeted by over 90% in the past 40 years. Currently they are under evaluation for whether or not they need to be added to the endangered species list.
Habitat loss is the number #1 threat to Venus Fly Traps. Their particular habitats are delicate and easily impacted by many human activities. Poaching is another major threat, and has been so severe that it was turned into a felony. Unfortunately this has not stopped poachers. We always always make sure that our Venus Fly Traps are sourced from reputable plant suppliers.
Consider showing your plant love by adopting some cute lil’ Venus Fly Traps and getting one of these funky plates when they become available. Staff here at Reems Creek Nursery are very excited! Reportedly they may be available by this fall or winter.
Art for the license plate is by North Carolina artist and landscape architect Preston Montague.