Purple-hooded Orchis

Galearis spectabilis can be found in eastern mesic deciduous woodlands. G. spectabilis begins growth in spring, producing one to two oval, fleshy basal leaves from a rhizome, which persist throughout summer. Flower stalks arise on 10–15 cm stems late May into June producing anywhere from 3 to 12 flowers. The flowers are hooded and the namesake of the plant due to the showy, typically bicolored lavender and white flowers. The lavender hood is formed from three fused sepals. Two petals are tucked inside the hood and the labellum (third petal) is longer and white. Plants are slow growing and will form clumps overtime via crown offshoots from the rhizome.