Tendrils

Putty Root Orchid

An orchid that is native to eastern and central U.S., and Canada. Putty Root (Aplectrum hyemale).


The world of Mother Nature is always filled with surprises. This plant provides one of those surprises. Its growth timing seems backward. In autumn the plant sends up ONE basal leaf to collect dappled sunlight during the fall, winter and spring. That leaf may grow to be as much as eight inches long. The top side of the unusual leaf is green with thin white stripes, the under side is purplish. Spring approaches, the leaf will fade.


Come late spring that single leaf will be totally withered away and in its place will grow a solitary flowering stalk that can rise to be perhaps ten inches tall.

Without striking colors, the leaf is more noticeable than the flowers. Still, it’s a native orchid. Remarkable.

Brenda Clements Jones

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