Nodding Pogonia

(Triphora trianthophora)

Nodding Pogonia (Triphora trianthophora [Sw.] Ryd.)

Identification: Flower pink. Lower petal broad, trilobed, with 3 green lines at its base. Other "petals" elongate, pointed, and radiating around the flower. Usually 3 flowers, on thin flower stalks, arising from the small, upper leaves, and nodding. Leaves small, ovate, widely spaced along the stem, and clasping the stem. Plant arises from a tuber. Plant 3 to 10 inches in height.

Distribution: Wisconsin in the west to New England in the east, southward to Florida and Texas.

Habitat: Nodding Pogonia lives in deep humus or on the rotting wood of hardwood trees.

Flowering period: July to September.

Similar Species: The nodding pink flowers with 3 green lines on the lower petals and the small, clasping, ovate leaves should easily identify this species.