Scientific Family
Orchidaceae
Other common names
chatterbox
giant helliborine
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1 to 3 feet
Riparian
Yes
Erect perennial which grows in dense patches because of its spreading rhizomes.
Flower lip 1/2 to 3/4 inch, concave at the base, grooved at the tip; lateral sepals 5/8 to 1 inch; found in riparian areas.
Habitat
Grows in moist, protected alcoves of sandstone canyons or in seeps or wet meadows.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
2800
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
Large showy flowers are borne on drooping stalks and are distinctly 3-lobed and constricted in the middle into 2 parts. Lowest petal is cup-shaped and the upper petals have prominent purple veining.
Flower color
Yellowish to brownish-green
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Long narrow leaves have prominent veins.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The hanging capsule contains thousands of tiny seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Green