Venus flytraps are native to what continent?

Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a carnivorous plant native to subtropical wetlands on the East Coast of the United States in North Carolina and South Carolina. It catches its prey, chiefly insects and arachnids, with a trapping structure formed by the terminal portion of each of the plant's leaves which is triggered by tiny hairs called trigger hairs on their inner surfaces.

When an insect or arachnid crawling along the leaves contacts a hair, the trap prepares to close, snapping shut only if another contact occurs within approximately twenty seconds of the first strike.

The Venus flytrap is a small plant whose structure can be described as a rosette of four to seven leaves which arise from a short subterranean stem that is actually a bulb-like object. Venus flytraps are by far the most commonly recognized and cultivated carnivorous plant, and they are frequently sold as houseplants.

Because they are so popular as houseplants, they have been poached for selling. The vulnerable species' protection is strongest on public lands. Taking just one Venus flytrap from the public domain is a Class H felony and could result in four to 25 months in prison. Stealing the plant from someone else's private land, without written permission on hand, is also a felony.