Panel backs naming the purple pitcher plant Maryland’s state carnivorous plant, citing conservation value

Supporters of House Bill 802 told the Health and Government Operations Committee that designating the purple pitcher plant as Maryland's state carnivorous plant would highlight a rare native species and support conservation and education efforts.

The idea was introduced by Delegate Robin Lewis and advanced with witness testimony from nursery operators, conservation groups and the National Aquarium.

Harrison Gordon, a student who testified for the bill, described why he supported the designation, saying, "I think the purple pitcher plant is the best because it is the only carnivorous plant that is native to Maryland." He described its feeding method and said naming it would encourage people to plant natives rather than invasive species.

Jared Chabline, chief of staff to Delegate Lewis, told the committee the nomination arose from discussions with carnivorous-plant experts and growers, and argued the purple pitcher plant is part of Maryland's biodiversity and deserves recognition. "Sadly, habitat loss has diminished its native range," Chabline said, and he noted the species' ties to bog habitats.

The National Aquarium supported the measure and outlined conservation work tied to bog restoration. The Aquarium noted Sarracenia purpurea is listed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as S2 (at high risk) and said restoration projects, including plantings of Atlantic white cedar, help restore habitat for pitcher plants and other rare species.

Nursery and conservation witnesses said the designation would support public education and habitat restoration; one witness said the plant can even be grown in carefully managed urban garden pots when appropriate. The committee recorded testimony in favor of the bill and closed the hearing segment on HB 802; no roll-call vote appears in the transcript record provided.