Genus: Aplectrum

Aplectrum is a monotypic genus of terrestrial orchids containing only 1 species, Aplectrum hyemale, which is found across the eastern U.S. and Canada from Louisiana to Quebec. Its leaf is produced in late summer or early fall and stays green throughout the winter; in the spring, the leaf senesces and the flowers are produced in the spring while the leaf is absent or senescing. During flowering, Aplectrum hyemale produces 7-15 small flowers with a white-purple labellum and greenish yellow lateral petals and sepals. The genus Aplectrum is closely related to the genus Corallorhiza; while the adult plants look very different, their protocorms are quite similar.

North American Species in this Genus