Puttyroot Aplectrum hyemale

Putty root is a native found throughout the wooded slopes and ravines in eastern U.S.A. and Canada in the Orchidaceae (orchid) family.  It is the only member of the genus Aplectrum. It spreads underground through the growth of its corms, which are often linked by rhizomes and can release a sticky substance when crushed.  This sticky substance was once used to mend broken pottery hence the common name "putty root".  The other common name "Adam and Eve" is also in reference to the corms as they are often found in linked pairs.  This plant likes partial shade or dappled sunlight in the sugar maple and beech forests and swamps where it grows.  Its underground corms allow it to form large colonies in though it is more commonly found in small scattered patches.

A single leaf appears in late November and persists until March taking advantage of the sunlight available in the winter months due to the barren canopy of the deciduous plants that grow around it. The leaves are uniquely pleated and pin-striped, with parallel alternating silvery-white and green stripes. In late May or early June, the flower stalk emerges carrying several delicate flowers with no fragrance or nectar to attract pollinators though sweat bees are thought to be pollinators.