Have you visited the Darlingtonia Wayside? It's a wonderful botanical garden on Highway 101 just north of Florence, Oregon. You get one sign directing you so pay attention or you will surely miss it. This walk over a marshy bog is not to be missed. Actually, the walk begins with a paved trail leading through mossy, dense woods lined with multiple Pacific Coast plant species, not the least of which is my favorite: Skunk Cabbage. Your feet soon encounter a boardwalk with a railing. This keeps your feet out of the bog and off these wonderful little mosquito eaters, among other insects.
The dark red round nut-like part with the delicate green petals is the flower. The bulbous leaf with the red split tongue is the insect trap. This plant is Darlingtonia californica, commonly known as Cobra-lily, Cobra-orchid, or Pitcher Plant. Curious insects climb up the lily "stem", into the bulb and viola'-- into digestive juices which eats the insect thereby providing nutrition to the plant.
It is a perfect spot to take a break from Hwy. 101. There are picnic tables and a clean potty. But, the best part is viewing these perfect plants. Spring is the best time to see the flower at it's peak. I hope you don't miss it. Also, look on your travel map. It should be noted since it is part of the State Park property. You can see Hwy. 101 from the small parking lot so once you note the road sign, you can't miss it.
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