With the exception of the Alnwick Poison Garden, there are very few places in the world where people can see dangerous plants for themselves. Even fewer are the places where one can experience such a plant species in the wild, where it feeds gratuitously on the insect fauna around it. Such is the case of the Cobra Lily, which happens to grow freely at the Darlingtonia State Natural Site in Florence, Oregon.

While it's not the only reason to visit such a beautiful nature site, it is one of many why people head to this unique section of Oregon's coast. With 18 acres to explore, there's something for everyone - including those who are fascinated by carnivorous plant species. With a boardwalk trail leading to a field of these interesting, insect-eating plants, it's a worthy tourist destination and is only about an hour and 15 minutes outside of the city of Eugene.

Darlingtonia State Natural Site, Home To Oregon's Protected Carnivorous Plant Species

Darlingtonia State Natural Site is unique in the sense that it's the only one of its kind to be dedicated to protecting a single plant species: the Cobra Lily. Within this botanical park, visitors will find the only carnivorous flora in the region, where it grows prominently and without threats to its natural habitat.

  • Fun Fact: The Cobra Lily goes by the scientific name of Darlingtonia californica, which is how this natural site received its name.

The Cobra Lily is a member of the pitcher-plant family of carnivorous plant species, which is how it lures and catches its prey. While exceedingly rare in Oregon, Darlingtonia is home to the only place where these plants grow freely. The Cobra Lily, also known as the Cobra Orchid, attracts insects with a little help from its unique coloring, which features green, purple, and red hues. These leaves hide a 'pitcher' which holds sweet nectar that also helps to lure in unsuspecting prey. Inside this pitcher, insects quickly become disoriented by the transparent parts of the plant, which appear to look like exits upon first glance. Upon further investigation, insects soon realize that there is no way out but up - and by this point, they've already ventured too deeply into the plant's pitcher to go back.

At the lowest part of the pitcher is a tube lined with hairs that trap prey at the base of the plant; from there, the insects are dropped into a water-filled basin where they decompose and become a meal for the Cobra Lily.

A truly brilliant and fascinating plant species, the Cobra Lily is the gem of Darlingtonia. For those visiting, seeing its purple five-leafed bloom is a bucket-list item.

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When To Visit Darlingtonia To See Its Carnivorous Cobra Lilies In Person

The best time to visit Darlingtonia State Natural Site is anytime between the months of May and June. This is when Cobra Lilies are blooming and reach their peak colors, which make for quite a sight in the open field in which they grow. Visitors can see the purple blossoms they're known for and might even catch a glimpse at the rarer yellow flowers. The Cobra Lily can reach a height of three feet, which also makes them easier to spot from the boardwalk trail during their peak bloom season.

Visitors will also be happy to know that the distance from the parking lot to the boardwalk is a short one, which means one does not need to be an avid hiker in order to see these incredible plants. Darlingtonia State Natural Site is also home to a small picnic area where visitors can stop and have lunch, as well as on-site restrooms.

The Cobra Lily is a protected species and could be endangered by those who pick them from the field. Visitors should keep this in mind when visiting the State Natural Site - look, but don't touch, and definitely do not pick the flowers.

When visiting Darlingtonia, the surrounding area should also be explored, as it's home to more plant species than just the Cobra Lily. Rhododendron, spruce, cedar, and shore pine can also be found along the scenic trails that wind through the site, and will also be reaching their peak bloom time during the late spring and early summer months.

While this is the perfect place for lovers of botanical gardens, it's also a great walk in the park during one of Oregon's sunny days. The chance to see a rare carnivorous plant species in the wild is a worthy one, especially for those local to or visiting Florence.