June and July is the bloom time of the Appalachian Twayblade (Listera smallii).
Specifically, this wild orchid blooms in the early and middle months of summer. It often may be found in the cool, moist shade under rhododendrons. It will be difficult to miss since where there is one, there tends to be an entire colony.
Brownish green to dark brown may be the bloom colors of the Appalachian Twayblade (Listera smallii).Specifically, the wild orchid shows variety in its bloom color. For example, it also may flower in shades of pink, white or yellow. Whatever the color, the bloom color complements in terms of the darker range and contrasts in terms of the lighter with the green to brown color of the plant's tall, slender stem.
April to July is the bloom time of the Southern Twayblade (Listera australis).Specifically, this wild orchid blooms from mid-spring to mid-summer. It easily is missed by visitors to its boggy and woodsy habitats. Its colors merge into the deep shade that it favors.
Purple is the bloom color of the Large Twayblade (Liparis lilifolia).Specifically, the sepals are pale green. The side petals are purple. The lip may be pale to brownish purple.
East of the Mississippi River is the range of the Appalachian Twayblade (Listera smallii).Specifically, the wild orchid ranges as far northeast as Pennsylvania. It may be found growing as far southeast as Georgia. In fact, it follows the Appalachian Mountain trail between the two states.
Moist woodlands is the habitat of the Appalachian Twayblade (Listera smallii).Specifically, this wild orchid favors moist, nutrient rich soils. It therefore flourishes in damp mountain woodlands. But it also thrives in bogs and near thickets.
Purple is the bloom color of the Lily-leaved Twayblade (Liparis lilifolia).Specifically, each sepal is pale green. Each side petal is purple. The lip may range from pale to brownish purple.
May to July is the bloom time of the Lily-leaved Twayblade (Liparis lilifolia).Specifically, this wild orchid blooms from late spring into mid-summer. It may be easy to miss since the plant often does not reach the upper limits of its mature height of 2-10 inches (5.08 - 25.4 centimeters). But the plant's dainty bloom nevertheless welcomes visitors of stream bank and woodland habitats.
Purple is the bloom color of the Southern Twayblade (Listera australis).Specifically, this wild orchid can vary in its shades of purple. For example, it often is as dark purple as the shaded spaces in which it grows. But it also may be greenish or reddish purple.
May to July is the bloom time of the Large Twayblade (Liparis lilifolia).Specifically, this wild orchid blooms from late spring to mid-summer. Its dainty flower is a welcome sight to visitors of its stream bank and woodland habitats. But it may be easy to miss since the plant often does not reach the upper limits of its mature height of 2-10 inches (5.08 - 25.4 centimeters).
Green is the bloom color of the Yellow Twayblade (Liparis loeselii).Specifically, this wild orchid does not vary much in color. The flowers may be yellowish green or pale yellow. The plant's overall green coloring merges quickly with background colors in the orchid's native woodsy habitat.
Two inches to one foot (5.08 - 30.48 centimeters) is the mature size of the Appalachian Twayblade (Listera smallii).Specifically, this wild orchid often can be found growing under rhododendrons. It is difficult to miss. It tends to colonize the cool, moist shade that it seeks under the spreading rhododendron.
May to July is the bloom time of the Yellow Twayblade (Liparis loeselii).Specifically, this wild orchid blooms in late spring and early summer. Its fragile appearance of dainty blooms, diminutive height and slender stem is a welcome sight during the transitional weather from spring to summer. But the visitor must keep on the watch since the petite green beauty quickly is dwarfed by its woodsy neighbors and hidden in its shady locations.