Spotted Coralroot

(Corallorrhiza maculata)

Spotted Coralroot (Corallorrhiza maculata  [Raf.] Raf.)

Identification: Plants saprophytes or parasites on tree roots, without chlorophyll or functional leaves. Flowers small, white and dull purple. Lower petal with a ragged outer margin and dark purple spots. Flowers arranged in a terminal spike. Stem dull red. Leaves reduced to sheathing scales at the base of the stem. Root greatly convoluted. Plant 8 to 20 inches in height.

Distribution: Across Canada and southward to Florida and Missouri in the east and California and New Mexico in the west.

Habitat: Spotted Coralroot is a woodland species.

Flowering period: July to August.

Similar Species: There are several species of Corallorrhiza in eastern North America. The lower petal of Wister's Coralroot has a smooth outer margin. The flower of Striped Coralroot (Corallorrhiza striata) (not treated here) is white with fine green lines. The flower of Northern Coralroot (Corallorrhiza trifida) (not treated here) is white without either spots or lines.