Snakemouth orchid (Pogonia ophioglossoides, Bot. Reg. 2: t. 148 (1816))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (L.) Ker Gawl.

Bibliography: Bot. Reg. 2: t. 148 (1816)

Year: 1816

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pogonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to EC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Snakemouth orchid, known scientifically as Pogonia ophioglossoides, is a captivating species within the family Orchidaceae. First described and illustrated in the Botanical Register in 1816, this orchid has maintained its charm and fascination among botanists and orchid enthusiasts alike.

This delicate orchid is primarily distributed across certain regions of North America, specifically from Central and Eastern Canada to the Eastern and Central United States. It thrives in a variety of wetland habitats, including bogs, fens, and wet meadows, where the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

The Snakemouth orchid features a single erect stem that ranges from 10 to 40 centimeters in height, adorned with slender, lanceolate leaves. The true allure of this plant lies in its singular, striking flower, which blooms in late spring to early summer. Each bloom possesses a distinctive pink to rose-colored flower, standing out with its fringed lip that gives it a somewhat serpentine appearance—hence the common name “Snakemouth.”

Despite its enchanting appearance, Pogonia ophioglossoides is a fragile species that often relies on specific symbiotic relationships with fungi in the soil, which assist in nutrient uptake. This dependency makes it particularly sensitive to habitat disturbances and environmental changes.

This orchid not only contributes to the biodiversity of its natural habitat but also serves as an indicator of the health of wetland ecosystems. Preserving its environment is crucial not only for the survival of the Snakemouth orchid but for the intricate web of life it supports.

In conclusion, Pogonia ophioglossoides is a remarkable example of nature’s intricacy and elegance. The enduring charm of the Snakemouth orchid continues to captivate those who encounter it, with its unique beauty and ecological significance standing as a testament to the delicate balance of our natural world.

Common Names

Eng: snakemouth orchid, rose pogonia
Fra: pogonie langue-de-serpent, pogonie à langue de serpent
En: Snakemouth orchid, Snake-Mouth Orchid, Rose pogonia
Fr: Pogonie langue-de-serpent, Pogonie à langue de serpent

Synonyms

• Pogonia pendula (Lindl.)
• Pogonia ophioglossoides var. minor (Makino)
• Arethusa parviflora (Michx.)
• Arethusa ophioglossoides (L.)
• Pogonia ophioglossoides f. albiflora (E.L.Rand & Redfield)
• Pogonia ophioglossoides var. brachypogon (Fernald)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Yannika Poirier-Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Vera Andrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Emeline Carrié (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Riley L (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Nicole M (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 22, 2015 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Orchi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2015 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8036652)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1089332-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pogonia ophioglossoides (L.) Ker Gawl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth