Rose Pogonia

Pogonia ophioglossoides

The Rose Pogonia is a beautiful flower that grows in wetlands. It has lovely pink petals and a sweet smell that attracts butterflies and bees.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Rose Pogonia is a striking orchid with a single, rose-purple flower. Its distinctive fringed lip, spotted with yellow and sometimes white hairs, gives it a 'snake mouth' appearance. The flower stands out against its simple, solitary green leaf.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusPogonia

Rose Pogonia

Interesting facts

Each plant usually produces only one beautiful flower, making each bloom precious!

It often blooms alongside vibrant pitcher plants in its boggy, wetland home.

Rose Pogonia flowers often mimic the appearance of nectar-rich blooms to attract bees.

This orchid gets its 'Snake Mouth' nickname from its unique, open lip!

Special abilities

Rose Pogonia can emit a sweet fragrance to lure bees, but offers no nectar, tricking them into pollinating it.

Rose Pogonia has roots adapted to thrive in acidic, waterlogged soils, allowing it to grow where few other plants can.

Rose Pogonia depends on special fungi underground to help it absorb nutrients, especially when young.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-40 cm
Spread: 5-10 cm
Flower Size: 2-5 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to mid-summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Attracted by its scent, helps flowers reproduce.

pollinates

Two-spotted Bumblebee

Bombus bimaculatus

Visits flowers, aiding in pollen transfer.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on wetland vegetation, including orchids.

Traits

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.