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Three-birds Orchid (Nodding Pogonia)
Triphora trianthophora
Three-birds orchid was thought to be extinct in Connecticut, but it was recently rediscovered in the state -- by Connecticut Botanical Society member Eleanor Saulys. This plant is very difficult to find in bloom. Most flowers last only one day, and nearly all flowers in a given area will open on the same day. (Flowering seems to be triggered by a drop in nighttime temperatures.) Because flowers can be found on only a few days a year, those who seek three-birds orchid would do well to learn what it looks like out of bloom (see third photo below).
• Family: Orchid (Orchidaceae)
• Habitat: rich, moist woods, often associated with rotting logs
• Height: 3-12 inches
• Flower size: 3/4 inch long
• Flower color: pale pink
• Flowering time: July to October
• Origin: native
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These two photos, from a population in New Hampshire, were taken one day after the peak of bloom. At their peak, flowers are open further, revealing a white lip petal with three green stripes. |
Three-birds orchid past bloom. At the upper left is a developing seed capsule. |