Showy Orchis
Galearis spectabilis (L.) Rafinesque)
35.2905, -82.7325
Field Notes
Description:
Showy orchid is a beautiful pink-purple and white orchid of deciduous woodlands in the eastern United States. Also known as showy orchis, purple-hooded orchid, or gay orchid, it is a perennial monocot of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae).
Showy orchid is a smooth, stout-stemmed, somewhat succulent, erect plant, 4-8 inches tall. Showy orchid has a cluster of long fleshy roots. It has two basal leaves, which are fleshy, oval to elliptic, and clasping the stem. The leaves are produced annually, and persist until October or November. First year plants have only one foliage leaf. — USDA Forest Service
Habitat:
Showy orchid prefers rich soils in moist areas such as near streams or vernal ponds. It can be associated with calcareous sites. It often grows with spring wildflowers such as hepatica, spring beauty, trillium, and jack-in-the-pulpit. It can be locally common but more often occurs in small populations. It does not tolerate much competition. — USDA Forest Service
Notes:
Showy orchid is listed as Endangered in Maine and Rhode Island, Threatened in Michigan and New Hampshire, and Exploitably Vulnerable in New York. Factors affecting its viability include forest canopy removal, changes in hydrology causing sites to dry out, and collection.
The plant is named for its hood-like flowers: “galearis” derives from Latin, referring to the helmet like hood. The species epithet, “spectabilis” means showy or spectacular, also from the Latin. — USDA Forest Service
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