Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata

(Spotted Coralroot)

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Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5387

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Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5384

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Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5379

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Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5389

Scientific Name Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata USDA PLANTS Symbol COMAM7
Common Name Spotted Coralroot, Summer Coralroot ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 894892
Family Orchidceae (Orchid) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (5500 to 11000 ft.); usually dry soils in wooded areas - aspens groves, conifer forests.
Plant: Erect perennial, fleshy, reddish-brown stem (raceme) 8 to 24 inches tall.
Leaves: None.
Inflorescence: Single erect raceme of 6 to 20 small flowers about 3/4-inch long with 3 dark red/brownish sepals and 3 white petals with reddish/purple spots, lower one forming a larger lip; the lower lip in var. maculata is not spread out, as compared to var. occidentalis in which it is much broader; the plant is otherwise similar.
Bloom Period: June and July.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, SEINet and North American Orchid Center.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains