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Large Whorled Pogonia

Isotria verticillata

The Large Whorled Pogonia is a special plant with beautiful green leaves that grow in a circle. It produces lovely flowers that can be white or purple, making it a treasure in the forest!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Large Whorled Pogonia has five or six broad, elliptic leaves arranged in a distinctive whorl below a single stem. A solitary flower, often greenish-yellow with delicate maroon stripes on its lip, emerges from the center of this leaf circle.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusIsotria
Large Whorled Pogonia
deciduous trait badgeornamental trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Large Whorled Pogonia

Category

Plants

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Finding this very rare plant in the wild is a truly special discovery!

It belongs to the amazing orchid family, just like the vanilla bean plant!

The five to six leaves form a perfect green star-like whorl just below its flower.

This orchid can disappear underground for up to 20 years, only to re-emerge later!

Special abilities

Ability

Dormancy Power

Large Whorled Pogonia can remain dormant underground for up to 20 years, helping it survive harsh conditions.

Ability

Fungal Friend

Large Whorled Pogonia has a special symbiotic relationship with soil fungi that helps it get nutrients.

Ability

Leafy Whorl

Large Whorled Pogonia has its leaves arranged in a circle to efficiently capture sunlight on the forest floor.

Measurements & details

Height
20-60 cm
Spread
5-15 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Late Spring to Early Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

carries pollen between flowers

symbiotic with

Mycorrhizal Fungus

Tulasnella calospora

aids growth and nutrient uptake

shelters

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

provides shade in forest canopy

shelters

White Oak

Quercus alba

creates preferred woodland habitat

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or touch wild plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Large Whorled Pogonia?

20-60 cm

How wide does Large Whorled Pogonia spread?

5-15 cm

How big are the flowers on Large Whorled Pogonia?

2-3 cm

When does Large Whorled Pogonia bloom?

Late Spring to Early Summer

Is Large Whorled Pogonia edible?

No

Is Large Whorled Pogonia toxic?

None

What is Large Whorled Pogonia's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Large Whorled Pogonia pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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