Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Cleistes bifaria

Cleistesiopsis bifaria, commonly called Small Spreading Pogonia, is found in the mountains of southeastern United States from Virginia south to Georgia. It produces one or two rose-pink or white flowers with purple or pink venation on the labellum. The petals and labellum separate only near the apex, resulting in the flower's distinctive tube-like shape. The flower bract length is similar or longer than the sepal length. It grows primarily in savannas, wet meadows, and pine or oak woodlands. This orchid benefits from prescribed fires that result in fewer over-story trees and shrubs.

Cleistesiopsis bifaria is considered apparently secure, but in its northern range (Virginia and West Virginia), it may be rare.

Pollination

Bees, such as Bombus fervidus, Bombus pensylvanicus and Bombus vagans are attracted to the bright yellow crest on the labellum which mimics pollen. As it enters the flower, a sticky fluid is smeared on the bee’s head and thorax. When it backs out of the flower, granular pollen sticks to this fluid and can be transferred to the stigma of the next flower the bee visits. While the bees may be lured to the flower by deceit, pollen may be actively harvested and transferred from flower to flower and also brought back to the hive.

Ecosystem Type

Floodplains, forests, grassland, meadows, woodlands

Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution