Corallorhiza trifida
Chatelain
Early Coralroot, Northern Coralroot
Location | Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories. |
Specific Habitat | A transcontinental species of the Boreal and Mixed Forest Regions and adjacent regions of the Montane and Deciduous Forests and Tundra. Occurring in moist woods, swamps, bogs, along wooded streams and in wet meadows, responding well to "cold bottom" conditions. Is frequent in swamps dominated by Eastern White Cedar, accompanied by Black Spruce, White Spruce, Tamarack, Black Ash and Yellow Birch. Prefers moist habitats in the south, but is frequent in drier upland situations northward. Dense, dryish Eastern White Cedar thickets sometimes shelter this orchid. Here the substrates are usually sands and sandy loams. |
Flowering Season | Mid-May to early June in the south to July in the north. |
Description |
Height to 20 cm; stem smooth, leafless, green or greenish-yellow with pale tubular sheaths at base. |
Comments | Plant is widespread, abundant and easily located in a variety of wooded situations. Tends to form large clumps and extensive colonies. It is the only member of this genus with distinctively yellowish-green colouring in the stem and flowers. Later in the season, the orchid remains recognizable because it develops fat yellowish drooping seed pods. |
References |
Orchids of Ontario |
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Habitat | Plant | Flower |
© Royal Botanical Gardens, Dr. Donald Gunn Image Collection.