Spring coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana, J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 6: 145 (1829))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Conrad

Bibliography: J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 6: 145 (1829)

Year: 1829

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Corallorhiza

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

The Spring Coralroot, scientifically referred to as Corallorhiza wisteriana, is a captivating and unique member of the Orchidaceae family. Described by Conrad in J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 6: 145 in 1829, this species is a testament to the rich biodiversity found across its native range, stretching from the United States to Mexico.

This intriguing orchid is distinguished by its lack of conventional green leaves and reliance on a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi to obtain nutrients, a characteristic trait among coralroots. The Spring Coralroot typically blooms in the early spring, presenting enchanting inflorescences that draw the admiration of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The flowers of Corallorhiza wisteriana are small but striking, exhibiting a mix of subtle colors that often include shades of yellow and maroon. These blooms are borne on slender, leafless stems that emerge from a rhizomatous base, which resembles the branching structure of coral, hence the common name “coralroot.”

Growing in a variety of habitats, this species can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, thriving in the dappled sunlight that filters through the canopy above. Its presence indicates a healthy forest ecosystem, where it forms intricate underground relationships with fungi that also connect with the roots of surrounding trees.

The Spring Coralroot is a testament to the delicate and interconnected balance of forest life. Its occurrence from the temperate regions of the U.S.A. down to the diverse landscapes of Mexico highlights its adaptability and the ecological continuity across these regions.

For those fortunate enough to encounter it in the wild, the Spring Coralroot serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders and complex interdependencies that characterize our natural world.

Common Names

Eng: spring coralroot
En: Spring coralroot

Synonyms

• Corallorhiza wisteriana f. albolabia (P.M.Br.)
• Corallorhiza wisteriana f. cooperi (P.M.Br.)
• Neottia punctata ((A.Rich. & Galeotti) Kuntze)
• Corallorhiza elliptica (Schltr.)
• Corallorhiza punctata (A.Rich. & Galeotti)
• Corallorhiza fimbriata (Schltr.)
• Corallorhiza hortensis (Suksd.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Mar 7, 2016 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 6, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 4, 2014 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 4, 2014 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Tim Ross (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by EOL − Stephen Betzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by EOL − Stephen Betzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by David Dover (cc-by-sa)

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

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

© 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/2797253)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30092460-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Corallorhiza wisteriana Conrad)

Specifications

Growth