Crane-fly orchid is a native plant that’s found in woodlands in the Southeastern United States. And it grows in my woods, in metro Atlanta, zone 8a.
Crane-Fly orchid is easy to spot in winter woods because it’s green when most perennial plants are still dormant. The orchids I show here emerged in February near azaleas that I planted a few years ago.
One distinguishing trait of crane-fly orchid is the underside of the leaf — it’s a deep purple color. The top of the leaf is dark green with a pebbly texture.
As temperatures warm, crane-fly orchid leaves disappear and a flower stalk emerges, with purple-brown blooms. I have not noticed the blooms in the past years; I’m anxious to spot them this summer. Stay tuned for a summer update on crane-fly orchid.
A note on endangered native plants — some references I found listed crane-fly orchid as endangered. My sources said it’s not endangered in my state of Georgia, but is endangered in more northern states in my region. When I research plants, I always look for Extension publications and NC State‘s articles are excellent.
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