Showy Orchis

Appearance

''G. spectabilis'' begins growth in spring, producing one or two oval, fleshy basal leaves from a rhizome, which persist throughout summer. Flower stalks arise on 10–15-centimeter stems with three to twelve flowers blooming in April to May.

The flowers are hooded and the namesake of the plant due to the showy, typically bicolored lavender and white flowers. The lavender hood is formed from three fused sepals. Two petals are tucked inside the hood and the labellum is longer and white. Plants are slow-growing and form clumps over time via crown offshoots from the rhizome.

There are two color variants: ''G. spectabilis'' f. ''gordinierii'' has an all-white flower, while ''G. spectabilis'' f. ''willeyi'' has an entirely pink flower.

Distribution

''Galearis spectabilis'' can be found in mesic deciduous woodlands in the eastern United States.

Reproduction

Pollination of the flower is conducted by long-tongued ''Bombus'', as well as other bees, butterflies, and moths. Besides it alluring colors, ''G. spectabilis'' flowers also provide pollinators a nectar reward which collects at the base of the spur. ''G. spectabilis'' is typically found on hillsides which may be rocky, damp and near seeps growing under a canopy of deciduous trees in half to deep shade. Plants have also been reported to be found thriving living just about a floodplain, again under a deciduous canopy. Plants are rarely seen in full sun.