Plant Botanical Name:
Pogonia ophioglossoides
Plant Threat Level:
Threatened
Rose pogonias is native from Nova Scotia to Wisconsin and southeast through the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast plain and into Florida. They are found in acidic boggy conditions, marshy meadows, or wet, grassy slopes. Although most often found growing in Sphagnum moss they also grow in sandy soil. In early summer, this small terrestrial orchid bears one to three flowers that have a raspberry scent. Unfortunately, much of Pogonia ophioglossoides' habitat has been destroyed due to development construction and herbicide treatment of ditches and waterways. These habitats are especially sensitive and the plant is listed as Threatened or Endgangered in most states of it native range.