North American Orchid Conservation Center

Corallorhiza wisteriana Conrad

Spring Coral Root

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Neottia punctata

Corallorhiza wisteriana, commonly known as Spring Coral Root, is found throughout much of the continental U.S., from Oregon to Florida. Like other members of this genus, it is myco-heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients through mycorrhizal fungi instead of photosynthesis. It has a reddish brown stem and produces up to 16 purple-brown or greenish flowers in the spring or early summer; the labellum is white and often spotted with purple. It has a similar phenology and overlapping distribution with C. trifida, but can be distinguished by its brightly colored flowers. It is known to stay dormant underground for years between blooms. This, combined with inconspicuous flowers and small size, results in uncertainty about its true population size and distribution. It grows in a variety of moist forests.

C. wisteriana is considered globally secure, but is rare in several mid-Atlantic and New England states.

Pollination

Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.

Ecosystem Type

Floodplains, forests, woodlands

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
this plant has no leaves
Number of leaves on stem:
absent
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is lobed
Main color of labellum:
white
Nectar spur:
absent
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum is lobed
Labellum length:
4–7 mm
Sepal length:
5–9 mm
Plant height:
3–55 cm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank Secure
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data