Minnesota Wildflowers


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Corallorhiza striata (Striped Coralroot)

Plant Info
Also known as: Hooded Coralroot
Genus:Corallorhiza
Family:Orchidaceae (Orchid)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, shade; woods
Bloom season:May - June
Plant height:7 to 18 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular raceme

[photo of flowers] Erect spike-like raceme of 7 to 26 flowers, each about ½ inch across with a short ovary and flower stalk. The 3 sepals and 2 lateral petals are similar in size and shape, oval narrowing to pointed tips, creamy white with purple to red stripes, fanning at the top of the flower. The lower lip similar size but little broader, unlobed, the striping merged to create nearly solid reddish purple. The central flower column is yellow. 

Leaves and stem: alternate simple

[photo of stems] Leaves are reduced to pale green overlapping sheathes from the base. Smooth throughout, the stem is red to purple and unbranched, single to multiple clusters.

Notes:

The coralroots go from unspectacular to vibrant as Striped Coralroot demonstrates. Sporadic from year to year, MN DNR botanist Welby Smith recommends the woodland trails in Itasca State Park for reliable appearances.

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Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk, taken on state forest land in northern Aitkin County

Comments

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