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Aplectrum spp.
putty root
Overview
Aplectrum is a genus of terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to the woodlands of eastern North America and represented chiefly by A. hyemale, the putty-root or Adam-and-Eve orchid. Each plant produces a single broad, pleated leaf 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long that emerges in autumn, persists through winter marked with silvery veins, and withers in spring before flowering. From a chain of rounded underground corms, a leafless flowering stem 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) tall rises in late spring, carrying a loose raceme of 7 to 15 flowers. The flowers are about 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) across, in dull yellow-brown to greenish-purple with a white, purple-marked lip. The common name Adam-and-Eve refers to the paired corms, one from the current year and one from the previous, joined underground. The genus grows in moist, shaded deciduous forest on rich, humus-laden soil, often near streams or on north-facing slopes. The corms hold a sticky mucilage once used as a glue, the source of the putty-root name. Like many woodland orchids, it depends on soil fungi for germination and establishment and is slow to spread, so wild colonies build up only over many years.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from southern Canada through the eastern and central United States. Plants grow in moist, shaded hardwood forest on rich, well-drained soils, often along streams and on lower slopes.Suggested Uses
Aplectrum is grown in native woodland and shade gardens by growers who can match its fungal and soil needs. It is valued in conservation and native-plant collections within its range. The winter-green leaf adds interest to the woodland floor when most plants are dormant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, generally May to June, after the overwintering leaf has withered. Each stem opens its 7 to 15 flowers over a week or two. Seed capsules follow, releasing dust-like seeds that require a fungal partner to germinate.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow-brown to purplish with white lipFoliage Description
dark green with silvery veinsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight