Scientific Family
Orchidaceae
Synonyms
Corallorhiza multiflora var. occidentalis, Cladorhiza maculata
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Corallorhiza striata
Height
8 to 15-1/2 inches
Riparian
No
Orchid, a plant without chlorophyll and without roots; parasitic on a fungus found on the coral-like rhizomes; flowers bisexual with 1 or 2 stamens combined with the pistil forming a yellow curved column; anthers a mass of waxy pollen grains.
Nutrition from fungus; stems thickened, brownish-purple; leaves scales; flower a small orchid, 2 yellowish lateral petals curve towards the stems, larger central, 3-lobed, purple spotted white petal, has upturned margins; sepals 3-veined, petal-like.
Habitat
Found on slopes in coniferous forests.
Plant Community
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
6000
High elevation
10000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers in a loose elongated clusters of 10 to 30 individual flowers; flower 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, lower lip white, purple spotted, 3-lobed; 2 lateral petals yellowish-brown; petals and 2 sepals unite to form a spur fused to the ovary.
Flower color
Yellowish, white, greenish, purplish
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
July
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves reduced to scales (thin flat dry and membranous in texture), not green. Stems stout, 1/2 inch in diameter, 8 to 19-1/2 inches tall, purplish to yellowish mostly a brownish-purple.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Brownish-purple
Leaf shape
Other
Leaf margin
Other
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is a 3-valved capsule 3/4 to 1 inch long; oval in shape narrowing at both ends; hanging downward.
Fruit type
Capsule
Many tiny seeds.