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spring coral-root orchid
spring coral-root orchid (Corallorhiza wisteriana)
Photo © Christopher David Benda
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
This plant has a brown or purple flower stalk that includes tiny leaves that clasp the stalk. Those are the only parts of the plant that appear above the surface of the soil. The stalk grows from eight to 16 inches tall. Flowers are variable in color and maybe red-purple to yellow-green. Its flower has a white lip with red spots. Its common name represents the coral-colored underground stem of this perennial plant.
BEHAVIORS
Spring coral-root orchid grows in rich woodlands in the southern one-half of the state plus La Salle County. It blooms from March to May. The fruit is a capsule. This plant does not contain chlorophyll. It obtains nutrients through mycorrhizal fungi in the soil.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Orchidales
Family: Orchidaceae
Illinois Status: common, native
