Corallorhiza spp.
coralroots
North and Central America; temperate Eurasia
Attracts Pollinators
Native to North America
Overview
Corallorhiza spp. is a genus of about 11 species of leafless, mycoheterotrophic orchids in the family Orchidaceae, known collectively as coralroots. Plants produce no functional foliage and contain little or no chlorophyll, drawing carbon instead from soil fungi linked to nearby trees. The name refers to the branched, coral-like underground rhizome from which erect flowering stems arise. Stems range from 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm) tall and carry 5 to 40 small flowers in a loose terminal raceme. Flower color spans yellow, tan, brown, reddish-purple, pink, and white, often with darker spots or stripes on the lip. Leaves are reduced to thin sheathing bracts along the stem. The genus is distributed across North and Central America and temperate Eurasia, with the greatest concentration of species in the forests of North America. Because plants depend on a specific fungal association, Corallorhiza spp. cannot be transplanted or cultivated by conventional means and is encountered only in the wild. Flowering stems emerge for a few weeks, set seed, and wither, leaving no above-ground trace for much of the year. C. maculata and C. striata are among the more widespread species, while C. mertensiana occupies a narrower western range. The dust-like seeds require colonization by a compatible fungus to germinate.
Native Range
Corallorhiza spp. occurs across North and Central America and temperate Eurasia, reaching from boreal Canada south to Mexico and Guatemala. The center of species diversity lies in the coniferous and mixed forests of the United States and Canada.Suggested Uses
Corallorhiza spp. is not used in gardens or landscapes and is encountered only in native woodland settings. It holds interest for native-plant observation and the study of mycoheterotrophic orchids in the wild.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, tan, brown, reddish-purple, pink, or whiteFoliage Description
Brown to purple sheathing bracts; no green foliageGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 2 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