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Corallorhiza maculata

Previously known as:

  • Cladorhiza maculata
  • Corallorhiza multiflora
  • Corallorrihiza maculata
Phonetic Spelling
koral-lor-ize-ah mak-yuh-LAY-tuh
Description

"Maculata" is Latin for spotted.

This exotic looking tiny flowered orchid stands tall so that it indeed can be noticed. This plant grows in summer and into early fall in woodland and forest areas.  It is unusual in that it obtains its energy not from photosynthesis but through a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungi.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fall interest#specialized bees#NC native#summer flowers#native garden#small flowers#orchid#exotic looking#native wildflower#unusual#NC Native Pollinator Plant#bee friendly#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fall interest#specialized bees#NC native#summer flowers#native garden#small flowers#orchid#exotic looking#native wildflower#unusual#NC Native Pollinator Plant#bee friendly#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Corallorhiza
    Species:
    maculata
    Family:
    Orchidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Canada to U.S.A.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 1 in. - 0 ft. 2 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Mountains
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Irregular
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    10-40 dull, purplish-brown flowers on the leafless stalk; the lobed lip is white, spotted with red. It can self pollinate but is also pollinated by insects.
  • Leaves:
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    This plant has no leaves
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Green
    Light Brown
    Red/Burgundy
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees