Native Ground Orchids Found in Virginia

Crested Coralroot

• Crested coralroot (Hexalectris spicata) is found in wooded areas and along stream banks in Virginia. The 1-inch blooms grow on cream-colored stalks and sport purple stripes on a yellow-green background. Crested coralroot blooms appear in May and last through July. The flower's fragrance is similar to the smell of baby powder. This perennial ground orchid does not produce any true leaves, instead forming sheathlike scales that are cream in color. Crested coralroot stems can reach up to 32 inches in height.

Nodding Lady's Tresses

• Spiranthes cernua odorata "Chadds Ford" is a form of nodding lady's tresses. This ground orchid is found growing in the coastal regions of Virginia. The yellow to white spike shaped flowers are made up of tiny bell-shaped florets. This ground orchid blooms during the fall and winter months and gives off a jasmine or vanillalike fragrance. Nodding lady's tresses can reach 3 feet in height and produce a group of dark green glossy leaves at their base.

Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchids

• Eastern prairie fringed orchids (Platanthera leucophaea) grow in bogs, meadows and roadside ditches. They prefer acidic soil that is moist to wet. These ground orchids have been classified as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because of habitat loss. Prairie fringed orchids produce 4-foot-tall green stalks that contain up to 40 white flowers. The flowers are recognized for their fringed or hairlike edges. Bloom time is July to August.

Southern Lady's Slipper

• Southern lady's slipper (Cypripedium kentuckiense), also known as Kentucky lady's slipper, is found in woodland areas and stream flood lands. They require cool, wet conditions to thrive and will not grow in hot, dry areas that receive full sun. Southern lady's slipper orchids can grow to heights between 1 and 3 feet. The bottom of each flower is pouch-shaped, creamy white in color and can grow to the size of chicken egg. Covering the pouch is a mottled or stripped maroon petal or sepal.