Hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies are attracted to this bright red flowering native. Sticky glands cover the plant and insects often become fatally trapped. Although related to carnivorous plants and containing digestive enzymes, royal catchfly does not absorb nutrients from its victims. It’s thought to be defensive, protecting the plant from harmful foliage-eating insects. After becoming stuck, the insects die and the enzymes quickly break down the insect bodies.