Reviewed public profile

Drosera rotundifolia

Drosera rotundifolia

Drosera rotundifolia, commonly known as the round-leaved sundew, is one of Europe’s most iconic carnivorous plants and a true symbol of nutrient-poor bog ecosystems. This small perennial forms a flat rosette of round, spoon-shaped leaves, each covered with fine red tentacles tipped with glistening droplets of sticky mucilage. Drosera rotundifolia thrives in acidic, water-saturated environments such as raised bogs, fens, and peatlands. It is widely distributed across northern and central Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and extends across much of the Northern Hemisphere. In summer, it produces delicate white flowers on long stalks that rise well above the sticky leaves: an elegant adaptation that protects pollinators from becoming unintended prey. Despite its modest size, the round-leaved sundew plays an important ecological role as an indicator species of intact, undisturbed bog habitats. Its presence signals clean water, low nutrient input, and a finely balanced microclimate.