Identification
This rare, native orchid emerges after a cold August night in our area, and flowers only for a day or two. Each plant, up to 10 inches tall, has 2-4 flowers (A,D). But usually it bears three flowers resembling birds in flight, which is reflected in the scientific and common names respectively. The delicate white flowers, with tinges of purple on the petals, and green ridges inside, are less than 1 inch long (C). The purplish stems and sparse, oval leaves are succulent (A). The ovaries start to swell as soon as the fertilized flowers wilt (A).
A few plants were first found in one location near the top of Mormon Hollow in Fontenelle Forest in mid-August of 2004. The only two previously recorded finds in Nebraska (1971 and 1997) were in the extreme south-eastern part of the state, in Richardson County.
Another common name, Nodding Pogonia, reflects the nodding behavior of its flowers when spent. All flowers in an area seem to bloom at the same time. Since these orchids offer no nectar, experts believe that this adaptation maximizes their chances of being fertilized by late pollinators like bumblebees.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.