SafePlants

Autumn Coralroot (Corallorhiza odontorhiza)

Autumn Coralroot, also known as Fall Coral Root or Late Coralroot, is a fascinating native orchid found across eastern and central Canada and the United States. This plant is a saprophyte, obtaining its nutrients from decaying organic matter, which explains its lack of green parts.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has small flowers, only 3-4 mm long.
• The plant is considered a saprophyte.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corallorhiza odontorhiza (Willd.) Poir.
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
• Kingdom: Not explicitly stated but assumed to be Plantae.
• Synonyms:
  • Cymbidium odontorhizon
  • Corallorhiza micrantha Chapm.
• Subspecies:
  • Corallorhiza odontorhiza var. pringlei
  • Corallorhiza odontorhiza var. odontorhiza
  • Corallorhiza odontorhiza f. chasmogamous
• Common Names: Autumn Coral Root, Fall Coral Root, Late Coralroot, Late Southern Coral Root, Small Coral Root, Small-flowered Coral Root, Chicken Toe, Turkey Claw.
• French Name: corallorhize d'automne

Distribution and Habitat

Corallorhiza odontorhiza is widely distributed across eastern and central Canada and the United States, from Quebec to other regions. It is a native woodland orchid that prefers shaded areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial plant growing to approximately 0.4 meters (1ft 4in).
• The flowers are hermaphrodite.
• The flowers are small, only 3-4mm long.
• It has a raceme of nondescript, nodding, purple-tinged flowers.
• It blooms from July to October.
• It is a tiny native woodland orchid.

Quirky Facts

• Some of its common names include "Chicken Toe" and "Turkey Claw," likely referencing the shape of its rhizomes.
• It has no green parts, as it is a mycotrophic plant and obtains its nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with fungi.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Florida Natural Areas Inventory
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life