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spring coralroot
Scientific Name: Corallorhiza wisteriana
Family: Orchidaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Spring Coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana)
Corallorhiza wisteriana, commonly known as Spring Coralroot, is a fascinating orchid species found across much of the continental U.S.
Common Names
- Spring Coralroot
- Arousing Coralroot
- Wister's Coralroot
- Spring Coral Root
- Early Southern Coral-root
- Yellow Coral-root
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Corallorhiza wisteriana Conrad
- Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
- Synonyms: Coral-wort, Coral-root
Distribution and Habitat
This species is widespread throughout much of the continental U.S., ranging from Oregon to Florida. An example is Prince George's County, Maryland, where it is considered highly state rare (S1).
Ecological Role
Corallorhiza wisteriana is a saprophyte (more accurately called a myco-heterotroph). It lacks chlorophyll and obtains nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with subterranean fungi.
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous perennial, 1-4.5 dm. high flowering mid April-mid May.
- Flowers: Light brown/ Dark reddish-brown occasionally yellowish. Bisexual Bilaterally symmetrical
Interactions with Other Organisms
Spring Coralroot relies on mycorrhizal fungal relationships to thrive. It is mycoheterotrophic, obtaining all its nourishment through a symbiotic relationship with subterranean fungi.
Quirky Facts
- Spring Coralroot is among the few flowering plants that have no green color at any time.
- It blooms in early spring, and its flowers generally only last a few hours.
- The plant's buds are already well-developed by the preceding spring, allowing it to flower early.
Further Information
For more information, you can visit the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database, Discover Life, and bioimages.vanderbilt.edu.