North American Orchid Conservation Center

Pogonia ophioglossoides (L.) Ker-Gawl.

Rose Pogonia

Facts About

Accepted Synonym: Pogonia ophioglossoides var. brachypogon

Pogonia ophioglossoides, commonly called Rose Pogonia, is found across central and eastern Canada and the United States, from Texas to Newfoundland. It produces one leaf mid-way up its stem, and has one (rarely two or three) pink or rarely white flowers. The edges of the labellum are lacerate; along the center of the labellum, there are several rows of dark pink, purple, or yellow hairs, giving the flower a bearded look. It can be distinguished from other species with similar flowers, such as Calopogon tuberosus or Arethusa bulbosa, by its bearded labellum. It is typically found in boggy habitats, including moist prairies, meadows, and woodlands, swamps, and along riverbanks and roadsides.

Pogonia ophioglossoides is considered globally secure, although it is rare or vulnerable throughout much of its range.

Pollination

This orchid is pollinated by many species of bumblebees including Bombus borealis, Bombus fervidus, Bombus sandersoni, Bombus ternarius, Bombus terricola and Bombus vagans. Pollen transfer occurs as the bee puts its head deep inside the flower. As it searchers for pollen and nectar the anther of the flower brushes against the head of the visiting bee and pollinia attaches to the bee’s head. Pollen can be transferred from the head of the bee to the stigma of the next flower it visits.

Ecosystem Type

Bogs, fens, marshes, meadows, swamps, woodlands

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
stem
Number of leaves on stem:
one
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is fringed
Main color of labellum:
  • pink to red
  • white
Nectar spur:
absent
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence has one flower or a pair of flowers
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum is fringed
Labellum length:
12–25 mm
Sepal length:
14–23 mm
Plant height:
4–70 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 Secure

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data