HABITAT:

            The Sarracenia alata is most commonly found in wetlands, such as swamps, bogs, and even some woodlands.  They can also be found in the low meadows of pine forests, where there is an abundance of water.  They are most prevalent in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Alabama (as shown in map).  Although some can be found as far north as Canada.  The plants are separated into two distinct regions.  The western region begins at Texas, goes through Louisiana, and ends in western Mississippi.  The eastern region runs from the eastern part of Mississippi to Alabama.  These two broad regions do not have any interactions with each other.  Thus the Sarracenia alata has an emerald color or an almost yellow color more towards Texas, while flaunting a deeper red color with a more pronounced lip towards Mississippi and Alabama.

The Sarracenia alata normally prefers acidic soils which is why it can be found in association with pines.  Pines are a good indication of acidic soil.  A down side to these regions with acidic soil is a lack of Nitrogen and other necessary organic materials within the soil.  The pitcher plant makes up for this lack of materials by consuming flies or ants that become trapped within its pitcher to obtain the necessary nutrients.