Cephalanthera damasonium
white helleborine
Overview
Cephalanthera damasonium is a terrestrial woodland orchid growing 6–24 inches (15–60 cm) tall from a short rhizome with fleshy roots. The erect, unbranched stem carries 3 to 7 broad, oval to lance-shaped leaves 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long, arranged in two ranks and clasping the stem. The flower spike holds 3 to 12 creamy-white to ivory flowers, each 0.6–0.8 inch (15–20 mm) long, that open only slightly and often remain nearly closed, giving the spike an upright, bud-like look. The lip is marked with faint orange-yellow ridges inside. Flowering runs from May to July. The species grows in shaded broadleaf woodland, most often under beech on chalk and limestone, and depends on soil fungi for part of its nutrition, drawing carbon from mycorrhizal networks in low light. This dependence makes it intolerant of transplanting and essentially impossible to cultivate from division, so plants are confined to undisturbed woodland on calcareous soils. It often self-pollinates, setting seed without insect visits.
Native Range
Cephalanthera damasonium is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, from England and France east to the Caucasus and Iran. It grows in shaded broadleaf woodland, most commonly beneath beech on chalk and limestone soils.Suggested Uses
Found in native woodland conservation plantings and calcareous woodland habitats rather than in cultivated borders. It is studied and protected as a component of beech-woodland flora.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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