Common Grass-pink
Calopogon Calopogon tuberosus (kal-oh-POH-gon too-ber-OH-sus too-ber-OH-sus)
Grass Pink is a herbaceous perennial orchid, usually up to 3 feet tall, unbranched, with a single, basal, grasslike leaf. The central stem terminates in a spike of 2 to 15 fragrant flowers 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. The flowers bloom in summer and range in color from magenta to light pink with a cluster of yellow, stamen-like hairs at the top of the bloom. White flowers do appear, but are rare. The flowers bloom sequentially from the bottom to the top of the floral spike. In its native habitat, Grass Pink grows in savannas, floating peat mats, and in the bogs of the North Carolina Piedmont and mountains. Grass Pink prefers full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing some sand and/or peat. It grows best in evenly moist to wet, rich, well-draining soils in full sun, although it can tolerate various soil types. You can amend planting locations with plenty of sand and peat to ensure proper drainage. The plant is cold hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. You can obtain this orchid from specialist orchid nurseries and it can be cultivated in gardens if its requirements are met, however, wild orchids should never be collected. In some states, this orchid is now rare or listed as endangered due to habitat destruction and unscrupulous collecting. You should only purchase nursery propagated plants from reputable growers. Like other orchids, Grass Pink Orchid can be vulnerable to browsing by White-tailed Deer and other herbivores. The genus name Calopogon comes from the Greek kalos meaning "beautiful" and pogon meaning "beard" for the yellow, stamen-like hairs at the top of the flower which attract pollinators. The epithet tuberosus means "tuberous" and refers to the underground corms of this species. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No major pest or disease problems.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 51 attributes.
How it fits the guild