Hidden deep in the forest, or happily saying hello in small forest clearings, this spring has brought an abundance of Striped Coralroot:Corallorhiza striata.
Corallorhiza striata is mycohetertrophic and uses fungus to provide nutrients for its own growth as Corallorhiza does not photosynthesize.
This orchid was just pushing up through the soil in a small clearing in the forest covered with grass.
Others were hidden in the dense undergrowth in the forest.
While many we found grew as single stalks or in groups of two or three some grew in larger clusters.
Corallorhiza striata is found in a wide geographical range encompassing all of Canada and most of the western United States and prefers cooler climates.
According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center “After producing flower stalks, the rhizomes may remain dormant for several years so seeing them in bloom may not occurs again next year but I sure hope so.
nature has no boss 
That is an interesting plant. But, alas, it grows not in Iowa. 😢
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The nature is amazing, flowers are like pieces of art.
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Very interesting a pretty. Thanks for the excellent link to Orchids of NA
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Interesting and beautiful plant.
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Incredible images. Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice day!!!!
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Beautiful.
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The clusters are interesting. Like you said in another post, “orchids are so rewarding to find.” I would hate to think that they might be dormant for years because I would be checking every year only to be disappointed. The greater the patience, the greater the reward.
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