Orchids in our Woodlands

by Crystal Cockman

May 04, 2016

Many people are surprised to find out that we do indeed have orchids growing in our woodlands right here in North Carolina. Probably the most common of orchids is the rattlesnake plantain orchid (Goodyera pubescens). They get their name from the wide basal leaves that look similar to the plantain weed found in yards. However, their leaves are variegated with veins accented in white, which are pretty to behold.  It is also evergreen, so these leaves can be found in winter as well as summer. It flowers in late summer and has small white flowers on a bloom spike.

Another orchid that is not quite as common as rattlesnake plantain is the lily-leaved twayblade orchid. The scientific name of this orchid is Liparis liliifolia, with Liparis meaning fat or greasy which can be in reference to the appearance of leaves, and liliifolia meaning that the leaves look similar to that of lilies. They have pale purple to brownish colored flowers, and are also known as Brown widelip orchid. Because they blend in well with their surroundings, they are harder to spot.

Showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis) are an orchid that is much less common. They are native to Canada and the eastern United States. As their name suggests, they are a beautiful orchid, with purple and white colored flowers rising above dark green leaves. The flowers are hooded, with the purple flowers forming the hood and the third petal comes out at the bottom and is white. They are also known as purple-hooded orchid or gay orchid. They bloom in spring, from April to June. Their main pollinator is the bumblebee. They prefer rich soils near moist areas such as wetlands or streamsides. They are listed as endangered in Maine and Rhode Island.

Less common still is the crested coralroot orchid (Hexalectris spicata). They are state rare in North Carolina. It is found in dry or mesic woods on basic soils. It is a gorgeous orchid that has a pink stem and pink and yellow striped flowers. We found one of these blooming in Montgomery County on the top of King Mountain during our first Uwharrie Trail thru hike. It is also found at the Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve in Durham owned by the N.C. Plant Conservation Program.

These are just four types of orchids found in our woodlands in the greater Uwharries. We also have such beautiful orchids as pink and yellow lady slipper, and there are others still that I haven’t mentioned. So orchids are not just exotic flowers found hanging from trees in the tropics, but they are also in our own proverbial backyards.