Large Coral Root

Corallorhiza maculata (koral-lor-ize-ah mak-yuh-LAY-tuh)

Family: Orchidaceae Native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Spotted coralroot is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower widely distributed across Canada and the United States; however, it is not found in Florida or the lower Mississippi River region. The only variety found in North Carolina is Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata , and it was located in the southwest mountains. This species is a member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), and is typically found in woodland and forest areas. It grows as an erect scape, measuring from 4 to 24 inches tall, and has no leaves. It has exotic-looking, tiny orchid flowers and coral-shaped roots. This plant is mycoheterotropic and receives its nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi rather than by photosynthesis. The genus name, Corallorhiza , is Greek and is derived from two separate words: corallion , meaning coral, and r hiza, meaning root; hence the common name coralroot. The specific epithet, maculata, is Latin for "spotted" and refers to the purplish spots on the flower's lip. Thrives in partial shade and moist to occasionally dry soil. This plant does not produce chlorophyll and receives it nourishment from the fungi in the soil via its rhizomes. The scape of the spotted coralroot varies from yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, or reddish-purple. The sheaths encircle the scape and are yellow-green, yellowish-tan, or reddish-purple. Ten to thirty flowers are arranged in a raceme. Each flower has three sepals, two lateral petals, and a lip. Their colors may be reddish to purple or yellow-green, and they often have red-purplish spots on the petals. The lip of the flower may be white and spotted reddish-purple. Blooming occurs from July to August. The fruits appear in August and September and consist of an ovoid capsule. Spotted coralroots are difficult to cultivate and will not survive if transplanted. In fact, it is illegal to collect these wildflowers from our National Forests according to the USDA. In North Carolina, this plant has been declining over recent years and is rarely found.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 45 attributes.