Pogonia ophioglossoides
rose pogonia
Overview
Pogonia ophioglossoides is a small terrestrial orchid growing 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall from slender, spreading roots that form loose colonies. Each stem bears a single oval to lance-shaped leaf 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long set about midway up, with a leaf-like bract near the flower. A solitary flower 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across opens at the tip, with three pink sepals and petals around a fringed, bearded lip marked with yellow bristles and pink veins. The flower carries a sweet, raspberry-like scent. Bloom comes in late spring and early summer, each flower lasting several days. Plants spread by thread-like runners that produce new shoots, so colonies form open patches rather than tight clumps. As a bog orchid it depends on constantly wet, acidic, low-nutrient ground and on soil fungi for germination, which makes it slow to establish and intolerant of drainage or disturbance.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland and Ontario south to Florida and Texas, with scattered populations westward. Grows in sphagnum bogs, fens, wet meadows, seepage slopes, and pond margins on saturated, acidic, nutrient-poor soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in bog gardens, sphagnum beds, and conservation and restoration plantings of wetland habitat, set among low bog plants. The fragrant flowers draw bumblebees, the main pollinators. Its strict need for wet, acidic, undisturbed ground makes it unsuited to borders, containers of ordinary potting mix, or any site that dries out.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowers from May through July depending on latitude, blooming earlier in the South and later northward. Each flower lasts about 3-5 days, and a colony blooms over 1-2 weeks. Flowering varies from year to year with water level and is reduced in dry seasons.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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