ExplorePlants

spotted coralroot

Corallorhiza maculata

The spotted coralroot is a special plant that doesn't have leaves! It grows in shady forests and gets its food from the ground. Its pretty spotted flowers are a lovely sight in spring.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The spotted coralroot is a leafless orchid with a striking yellowish-brown to purplish stem, often covered in reddish-purple spots. Its small, orchid-like flowers typically feature a white lower petal (labellum) prominently marked with distinct reddish-purple spots, setting it apart visually.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusCorallorhiza
spotted coralroot
mycorrhizal trait badgespotted trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badge
spotted coralroot

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It 'borrows' sugar from nearby trees using a secret fungal network.

Its fascinating root system looks just like coral from the ocean!

Spotted coralroot flowers can be different colors, even green or dark red!

This orchid never opens its leaves to the sun because it doesn't have any!

Special abilities

Ability

Sunlight Snubber

Spotted coralroot can grow in deep shade because it gets all its food from tiny underground fungi, not sunlight.

Ability

Hidden Helper

This plant has a coral-like rhizome underground that helps it connect with beneficial fungi to gather nutrients.

Ability

Forest Blending

Its mottled stem and spotted flowers help the coralroot blend in with dappled light and leaf litter, hiding it well.

Measurements & details

Height
15-50 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Late Spring to Early Fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

depends on

lichen-like crust fungus

Tomentella sublilacina

Its 'host' fungus for nutrients.

pollinates

brown-belted bumble bee

Bombus griseocollis

Attracted to its flowers for nectar.

depends on

Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Its fungal partners often grow on tree roots.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch wild plants, as some can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is spotted coralroot?

15-50 cm

How big are the flowers on spotted coralroot?

1-2 cm

When does spotted coralroot bloom?

Late Spring to Early Fall

Is spotted coralroot edible?

No

Is spotted coralroot toxic?

None

What is spotted coralroot's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is spotted coralroot pollinated?

Insect

Where is spotted coralroot usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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