Chapter VIII: Part 8

=Flowers= small greenish-yellow, in a loosely flowered spike ½-2 inches long. =Labellum= dilated, 3-toothed at apex; spur longer than ovary, clavate. =Sepals= and =petals= ovate. =Stem= 8-18 inches high. =Leaf= 1, near the base, 1-3 bracts above.

_Continental Range_—From Lake Huron, Newfoundland, southward to Alabama; westward to Indiana, and Missouri. Ascends 6000 feet altitude in North Carolina.

_New England Range_—Maine, frequent; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, infrequent; Massachusetts, infrequent; Rhode Island, frequent; Connecticut, frequent.

11.—HABENARIA FLAVA (Linnæus) A. Gray, 1753-1840

TUBERCLED ORCHIS

The specific name, _flava_, comes from the Latin _flavous_, referring to the yellow flowers of this orchid.

A damp meadow or sphagnous woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. May (Florida), June 5th-August 25th (New England).

=Flowers= dull greenish-yellow, small, in a spiked raceme. =Labellum= entire, crenulated with obtuse tooth on each side, and a central tubercle at middle of base. =Sepals= and =petals= roundish, ¼ inch long. Sepals yellowish. =Stem= stout leafy 1-2 feet high. =Leaves= elliptic, acute; =bracts= longer than seed-capsule.

_Continental Range_—From Crow River, Hastings County, Ontario, Canada, southward to Alabama and the wooded Tidal Swamps, Duval County, Florida; westward to Minnesota and Missouri.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, infrequent; Massachusetts, occasional; Rhode Island, common; Connecticut, common.

12.—HABENARIA CILIARIS (Linnæus) R. Brown, 1753-1813[74]

YELLOW-FRINGED ORCHIS

The specific name, _ciliaris_, refers to the fringed labellum, from the Latin _ciliate_,—beset with _cilia_ or hairs, like eyelashes fringing the eyelids.

A tall, wet, sandy meadow or pine barren orchid, with small fibrous roots. June-July 7th-August 14th.

=Flowers= large, showy, orange-yellow, fringed, in a many-flowered, spiked raceme, 3-6 inches long; nearly 3 inches broad. =Labellum= oblong and fringed. =Sepals= orbicular to ovate; lateral sepals reflexed; =spur= 1-1½ inch long, very slender; =petals= toothed, oblong, much smaller. =Stem= slender, leafy, 1-2½ feet high. =Leaves= lanceolate, 4-8 inches long, becoming bract-like above.

_Continental Range_—From Essex County, Canada, southward to New England, the pine barrens of New Jersey, Alabama, and Florida; westward to Illinois and Nebraska. The fringed _Habenarias_ are among our most beautiful native orchids, gracing lake-side solitudes with their flame-like spikes of purple, white, or orange.

_New England Range_—Maine, not reported; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, rare; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, rare.

13.—HABENARIA BLEPHARIGLOTTIS (Willdenow) Torrey, 1805-1826

WHITE-FRINGED ORCHIS

The specific name, _blephariglottis_, refers to the fringed throat of this orchid.

A slender bogland orchid, in similar situations with _H. ciliaris_, with fleshy-fibrous roots. June (Alabama)-July 23d-August (New England).

=Flowers= pure white, in a loosely and many-flowered spiked raceme, smaller than those of _H. ciliaris_, with which it seems to intergrade. =Labellum= narrow, oblong, slightly fringed. =Petals= toothed or sparsely fringed. =Stem= leafy, slender, 1-2 feet high.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland southward to New England, North Carolina, and Alabama; westward to Minnesota. Intermediate forms between the Yellow-Fringed and the White-Fringed _Habenarias_ are probably natural hybrids, as they are closely associated in their haunts during July and August, the hybrid usually being of a lighter yellow, blooming slightly earlier than the type species.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, infrequent; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, infrequent; Connecticut, rare.

14.—HABENARIA HOLOPETALA (Lindley) A. Gray, 1835-1867[75]

CREAM-FRINGED ORCHIS

The specific name, _holopetala_, refers to the petals being complete, entire.

A small bogland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. July-August.

=Flowers= beautiful, smaller than in preceding species, cream, or lighter yellow than _H. ciliaris_. =Labellum= sparingly fringed. =Petals= narrower and entire. =Stem= 1 foot high. =Leaves= similar to type species _H. blephariglottis_ and _H. ciliaris_.

_Continental Range_—From Canada southward to Alabama, North Carolina, in company with _H. blephariglottis_.

_New England Range_—Refer to range of _H. blephariglottis_ for New England.

15.—HABENARIA LACERA (Michaux) R. Brown, 1803-1810

RAGGED-FRINGED GREEN ORCHIS

The specific name, _lacera_, refers to the lacerate or ragged and torn appearance of the fringed labellum of this species.

A bogland, meadow, or woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. June 20th-July 15.

=Flowers= greenish-yellow, in loose-flowered spike, 2-6 inches long. =Labellum= 3-parted, deeply fringed or ragged. =Sepals= ovate, obtuse, upper one broader than lower ones. =Stem= slender or stout, leafy, 1-2½ feet high. =Leaves= lanceolate, 5-8 inches long; bract-like above.

_Continental Range_—From Nova Scotia southward to Georgia and Alabama; westward to Minnesota and Indiana.

In Thompson’s Swamps, Pownal, Vermont, this species intergrades with _H. psycodes_ and _H. clavellata_. The hybrids, or those crossed with _H. psycodes_ produce flowers with light purple, and less fringed than in the true type of _H. lacera_; while those crossed with _H. clavellata_ are much less ragged fringed than in the type form of _H. lacera_, although in a much smaller spike, with nearly white or creamy-green flowers, resembling a large spike of _H. clavellata_.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, infrequent; Rhode Island, frequent; Connecticut, common.

16.—HABENARIA GRANDIFLORA (Bigelow) Torrey, 1824-1826

(_Habenaria fimbriata_ A. Gray, 1867)

LARGE PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHIS—LONG PURPLES—DEAD-MEN’S FINGERS—DEAD-MEN’S THUMBS

The specific name, _grandiflora_, refers to the grand flowers of this species; the most beautiful among the bogland _Habenarias_.

Tall, damp woodland or bogland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous or palmate roots. June-July 22d-August 16th.

=Flowers= lilac or deep purple, fragrant in densely-flowered spiked raceme; 3-15 inches long; 1-2½ inches broad. Rarely white flowered spikes occur. =Labellum= 3-parted, ½-1 inch broad; ½ inch long, deeply fringed. =Sepals= and =petals= connivent, somewhat toothed. =Spur= 1-1½ inch long, clavate. =Stem= leafy, 1-5 feet high. =Leaves= numerous, oblong, 4-10 inches long, 1-3 inches wide; bract-like above.

_Continental Range_—From Nova Scotia southward to North Carolina; westward to Wisconsin and Michigan.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, frequent; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, frequent; Connecticut, common.

17.—HABENARIA PSYCODES (Linnæus) A. Gray, 1753-1840

SMALL PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHIS—LONG PURPLES—DEAD-MEN’S FINGERS—DEAD-MEN’S THUMBS

The specific name, _psycodes_, comes from the Greek _psychoda_, a butterfly, probably referring to the dainty poise of the fringed, and winged-petaled flowers.

Tall bogland or damp woodland orchid, with fleshy or palmately-tuberous roots. July 1st-August-September.

=Flowers= pink-purple, rarely white, very fragrant in densely flowered spiked raceme, 2-6 inches long; 1-1½ inches broad. =Labellum= 3-parted, fan-shaped, fringed, ⅓-½ inch broad, much smaller and often confused with the larger species (_H. grandiflora_). =Sepals= and =petals= similar in texture, lower sepals ovate, upper one narrower. Petals oblong, toothed on upper margin. =Spur= clavate at apex. =Stem= leafy, 1-3 feet high.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Lake Huron southward to the swampy meadows in the western mountains of North Carolina; westward to Minnesota in tamarack sphagnous swamps.

_New England Range_—Maine, very common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, common; Connecticut, frequent.

18.—HABENARIA ANDREWSEII White n. sp. (per letter), 1903

ANDREWS’ ROSE-PURPLE ORCHIS

_Habenaria psycodes_ × _lacera_ White and Andrews, _Rhodora_ 3:245-248, 1901

The specific name, _Andrewseii_, refers to the species being named in honor of Dr. A. LeRoy Andrews, who described this species as a varietal form of _H. psycodes_ × _lacera_. The species was first discovered and collected by Mr. Marcus White, July 22, 1899.

Tall bogland orchid, with fleshy roots. July 22d-August 16th.

=Flowers= white, to rose-purple. =Labellum= about ⅓-½ inch broad, divisions deeply cleft as in _Habenaria lacera_, yet more numerous. =Sepals= round-oval, obtuse. =Petals= cuneate-spatulate and denticulate above. Arms of column slightly acute, similar to _Habenaria psycodes_. =Pollen= stalked, greenish-yellow, somewhat 2-lobed, not obstructing the orifice of nectary, as observed in _Habenaria lacera_. =Spur= longer than ovary, clavate, much enlarged below. =Ovary= intermediate or rather short. =Stem= leafy, 1-2½ feet high. =Raceme= of flowers not as broad as in _Habenaria psycodes_, but more nearly resembling the spike of _Habenaria lacera_ in form, yet fewer-flowered. =Leaves= several, as in _Habenaria lacera_.

_Continental Range_—Pownal Swamps, southwestern Vermont; no other station appears to be reported for this natural hybrid of the Purple-Fringed and Ragged Orchises (_H. psycodes_ and _H. lacera_), yet it appears to be flourishing and increasing in numbers in its special haunts.

_New England Range_—Vermont, rare; Pownal Swamps August 5, 1901 (Marcus White and A. LeRoy Andrews); August 10-16, 1903 (Grace G. Niles).

IV

Pogonia

Jussieu, 1789

SWEET POGONIAS

The generic name, _Pogonia_, comes from the Greek Πωγωνίας, signifying _bearded_, from the bearded labellum of the type species.

Small bogland or woodland orchids, with fibrous creeping roots. =Anther=, 1. =Labellum= erect from base of the column, spurless. =Sepals= and =petals= free. =Anther= terminal, stalked, attached to back of column. =Pollinia=, 2, 1 in each anther-sac, powdery-granular, without caudicle. =Flowers= solitary or 1-3 in terminal raceme. =Leaves= 1-5, alternating, or in whorls as in _Pogonia verticillata_. Seedlings numerous in many places.

_Continental Range_—There are about forty-five species of this genus distributed in the wooded regions of the world. The species of _Pogonia_ have formerly been confused with _Arethusa_.

North American species north of Mexico 5
New England species 4
Hoosac Valley species 3-4

New England species:

1. _P. ophioglossoides_ (Linnæus) Ker, 1753-1816.
2. _P. trianthophora_ (Swartz) B. S. P., 1800-1888.
3. _P. verticillata_ (Willdenow) Nuttall, 1805-1818.
4. _P. affinis_ Austin, 1867.

1.—POGONIA OPHIOGLOSSOIDES (Linnæus) Ker, 1753-1816

ROSE POGONIA—SNAKE-MOUTH

The specific name, _ophioglossoides_, refers to the flower resembling a snake’s mouth.

Small sphagnous swamp-land orchid, with fibrous creeping roots. April-May (Florida), June 21st-July 20th (New England).

=Flowers= 1, sometimes 2, terminal, nodding, rather large for plants; rose and purplish-yellow; fragrant, subtended by a foliaceous bract. =Labellum= free, somewhat appressed to the column below, fringed and spurless. =Sepals= and =petals= about equal, similar. =Stem= 8-15 inches high. =Leaves= 1-3, rarely 1 basal leaf; the stem-leaf is ½-3 inches long, bluntly acute; foliaceous bract subtending seed-capsule.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, southward to the pine barrens of Alabama and Florida; westward to Minnesota and Kansas.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, common; Rhode Island, common; Connecticut, common.

2.—POGONIA TRIANTHOPHORA (Swartz) B. S. P., 1800-1888[76]

NODDING POGONIA

The specific name, _trianthophora_, refers to the 3-lobed labellum and the usually 3 nodding flowers of this species.

Small woodland orchid, with tuberous roots. July-August 11th-September 24th.

=Flowers= 1-7 on axillary peduncles, pale purple, at first nearly erect, soon drooping, ½-⅔ inch long. =Labellum= 3-lobed, clawed, roughened, without a spur. =Sepals= and =petals= equal, connivent. Stem 3-8 inches high. =Leaves=, 2-8, alternate, ovate, clasping stem. =Seed-capsule= oval, drooping.

_Continental Range_—From Canada, southward to North Carolina, Alabama, and Kentucky; westward to Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana.

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, infrequent; Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, rare; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, infrequent.

3.—POGONIA VERTICILLATA (Willdenow) Nuttall, 1805-1818

LARGE WHORLED POGONIA

The specific name, _verticillata_, refers to the whorled or verticillate growth of the leaves.

Small moist woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous creeping roots. May 20th-June 15th.

=Flowers= solitary, purplish-green, and yellow, erect or declined, terminal; peduncle ½-⅔ inch long, in fruit exceeding the seed-capsule. =Labellum= 3-lobed, crested along a narrow band, upper part expanded, greenish-yellow. =Sepals= linear, 1½-2 inches long, ¹⁄₁₂ inch wide, spreading, dark purple; =petals= linear, obtuse, greenish-yellow, ⅚ inch long. =Stem= 10-12 inches high, round and purplish. =Leaves= 5, verticillate, in a whorl strongly recalling the whorls of the Indian Cucumber plants (_Medeola_), with which it grows in company; obovate, terminal, pointed at apex, 1-3 inches long. Rarely an obovate basal stem-leaf occurs below the whorl. The roots distinguish this plant from Indian Cucumber, yet many times the two plants so closely resemble each other that it is difficult to determine one from the other until the roots are revealed. The stem of the _Pogonia_, however, is larger, fleshy, purplish, and juicy, while the Indian Cucumber is brittle and slender.

_Continental Range_—From Ontario, Canada, southward to North Carolina and Florida; westward to Michigan and Indiana.

_New England Range_—Maine, not reported; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, frequent.

4.—POGONIA AFFINIS Austin, 1867[77]

SMALL WHORLED POGONIA

The specific name, _affinis_, comes from the Latin _affinitas_, near alliance, referring to the close relation or affinity this species bears to its sister species, _Pogonia verticillata_.

Small moist woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. June.

=Flowers= 2 or solitary, greenish-yellow, peduncle ⅙-⅓ inch long. =Labellum= crested over the whole face and lobes. =Sepals= and =petals= equal. =Stem= 8-10 inches high. =Leaves= in a whorl of 5 at the summit, smaller than the whorl in _P. verticillata_. Seed-capsule erect, 1 inch long.

_Continental Range_—From northern Vermont, southward to Pennsylvania. This orchid has quite recently been collected in Vermont, by Mrs. Henry Holt, near Burlington (1902). Several stations in New Jersey have been destroyed since Mr. Austin first identified it there.

_New England Range_—Maine, not reported; New Hampshire, not reported; Vermont, very rare; Massachusetts, very rare; Connecticut, frequent; it should be more common in this State, since _P. verticillata_ is frequent.

V

Arethusa

Linnæus, 1753

BEAUTIFUL ARETHUSA

The generic name, _Arethusa_, refers to the dedication of this species to the nymph Arethusa of classical literature.

Small scapose orchids with bulbous roots; one of the most beautiful native orchids. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= dilated, recurved, bearded down the face, spreading at the apex. =Sepals= and =petals= similar, arched above, coherent below. =Anther= operculate. =Pollinia= 4; 2 in each anther-sac, powdery, granular. =Scape= 5-10 inches high, glabrous. =Leaves= 1, 4-6 inches long, linear, and hidden. 1-3 =bracts= or scales below. =Seed-capsule= 1 inch long, ellipsoid, 6-ribbed, rarely maturing.

_Continental Range_—In sphagnous bogs from Newfoundland, southward to North Carolina; westward to Minnesota. Rare throughout its range, seeking unfathomable cranberry marshes, among bushes of Kalmia and Labrador Tea, in close company with Rose Pogonia and Grass Pinks. A genus, consisting of 3 species for the world.

North American species north of Mexico 1
New England species 1
Hoosac Valley species 1

New England species:

1. _A. bulbosa_ Linnæus, 1753.

1.—ARETHUSA BULBOSA Linnæus, 1753

BEAUTIFUL ARETHUSA

The specific name, _bulbosa_, refers to the bulbous roots of this orchid.

Small scapose, bogland orchid with bulbous roots. May 17th-June 30th.

=Flowers= 1, rarely 2; rose-purple, terminal, nodding, arising from between 2 unequal =scales=; 1-2 inches long. =Labellum= drooping, dilated, recurved, spreading at apex, often fringed or toothed, variegated with purple blotches and yellow. =Sepals= and =petals= linear, obtuse, arched over the column. =Scape= 5-10 inches high, glabrous, producing 1-3 sheathing bracts. =Leaf= 1, linear, many-nerved, 4-6 inches long, hidden above bracts. =Root= small, onion-like bulb. =Seed-capsule= 1 inch long, ellipsoid, 6-ribbed, rarely maturing, although seedlings appear numerous in natural haunts, the sphagnum being filled with lightly-attached bulbs.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, southward to North Carolina; westward to Minnesota.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, common; Connecticut, common.

Showing the structural parts of the flower, the single leaf, and bulbous root.]

VI

Gyrostachys

Persoon, 1807

(_Spiranthes_ L. C. Richard, 1818)

LADIES’ TRESSES

The generic name, _Gyrostachys_, refers to the twisting spikes, which resemble a “coil,” or “curl,” from which originated the common name of Ladies’ Tresses.

Erect spiked racemes of twisting flowers. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= clawed, concave, erect, embracing the column. =Sepals= free, coherent at top with petals, forming a galea. =Flowers= small, spurless, white or greenish, in rows. =Anther= without a lid, situated back of column. =Pollinia= 2, 1 in each anther-sac, powdery. =Fragrance= delicate. =Stem= leafy, bracted above basal leaves. =Leaves= linear, save in two species—_G. simplex_ and _G. gracilis_, in which they are round, oblong, and basal. =Roots= fleshy-fibrous, or tuberous. Seed-capsule erect and oblong.

_Continental Range_—Common in pasture-land and meadow boglands; from Alaska, southward to Florida; westward to the Pacific coast. There are 80 or more species of this genus distributed throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the world.

North American species north of Mexico 19-20
New England species 6
Hoosac Valley species 5-6

New England species:

1. _G. Romanzoffiana_ (Chamisso), MacMillan, 1828-1892.
2. _G. plantaginea_ (Rafinesque), Britton, 1818-1896.
3. _G. ochroleuca_ Rydberg, 1901.
4. _G. cernua_ (Linnæus), Kuntze, 1753-1891.
5. _G. simplex_ (A. Gray), Kuntze, 1867-1891.
6. _G. gracilis_ (Bigelow), Kuntze, 1824-1891.

1.—GYROSTACHYS ROMANZOFFIANA (Chamisso), MacMillan, 1828-1892

HOODED LADIES’ TRESSES

The specific name, _Romanzoffiana_, refers to the species being named in honor of Count Romanzov, a Russian nobleman.

Rather conspicuous bogland orchid, with 1-6 tuberous roots. July 15th-August 27th-September 8th.

=Flowers= white or greenish, 3-rowed, in spiked racemes, slightly twisted, 2-4 inches long, ⅓-⅔ inch thick; very fragrant. =Labellum= oblong, contracted below the crisped apex. =Sepals= and =petals= broad at the base, hooded above. =Stem= 6-15 inches high. =Leaves= below, near the base, 3-8 inches long, with bracts above. Seedlings produce but one tuber, older plants several adhering, older tubers finally withering.

_Continental Range_—From Unalaska and New Metlakatla, along the southeastern coast of Alaska, southward to Pennsylvania; westward to the Pacific Ocean, ascending 8500 feet altitude in moist meadows in Yellowstone Park, Montana, and 9500 feet on Mount Graham, in Arizona. It is especially a Northern species.

_New England Range_—Maine, frequent; New Hampshire, infrequent; Vermont, infrequent; Massachusetts, rare; Reservoir Swamp, Notch Road, North Adams, August 17th, 1903 (Grace G. Niles); swamps, base of Mount Greylock, Adams, (Marcus White); Mr. White is the first botanist to collect this species in Massachusetts.

2.—GYROSTACHYS PLANTAGINEA (Rafinesque) Britton, 1818-1896

EARLY BROAD-LEAVED LADIES’ TRESSES

The specific name, _plantaginea_, refers to a supposed resemblance of this species to the spikes and foliage of certain species of Plantain (_Plantago_).

Small moist woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. June 7th-July 2nd-August 15th.

=Flowers= yellow and white, spreading, ¼ inch long, in densely flowered raceme, 1-2 inches long, ⅓-½ inch thick. =Labellum= pale yellow on face, oblong, not contracted in middle, apex rounded and fringed, base clawed. =Sepals= and =petals= white; lateral sepals free, lanceolate, upper sepal, united with petals. =Stem= 4-10 inches high. =Leaves= 4-5, oblanceolate, 1-5 inches long, becoming bract-like above.

_Continental Range_—From New Brunswick, Ontario, southward to Virginia; westward to Wisconsin and Minnesota. Rather rare in the southern and western range; nowhere abundant.

=New England Range=—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, frequent; Massachusetts, rare; Rhode Island, not reported; Connecticut, rare.

3.—GYROSTACHYS OCHROLEUCA Rydberg, Britton’s _Manual_. 300, 1901[78]

YELLOW LADIES’ TRESSES

The specific name, _ochroleuca_, refers to the yellowish-green or ochroleucous color of the flowers.

Small hillside and damp pasture-land orchid, with fleshy or tuberous roots. August-September 1st-15th.

=Flowers= yellowish-green, very fragrant, in densely flowered raceme, conspicuously acute in bud, of creamy-green color, in company with _G. cernua_, but not so abundant. =Labellum= oblong, crenulate or crisped. =Stem= 12-20 inches high, pubescent. =Leaves= linear, tapering at both ends, basal, with bract-like leaves above. Slightly later than _G. cernua_.

_Continental Range_—From New Hampshire, southward to Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

_New England Range_—Without doubt in each State in company with _G. cernua_, of which it appears to be a form. Frequent Mt. Washington, Massachusetts, and swamps about North Adams, September 1st (Grace G. Niles).

4.—GYROSTACHYS CERNUA (Linnæus) Kuntze, 1753-1891

NODDING LADIES’ TRESSES

The specific name, _cernua_, refers to cernuous or nodding flowers of this species.

Small bogland or damp meadow orchid, with fleshy or tuberous roots. August 25th-September 1st-28th-October.

=Flowers= white, fragrant, nodding or spreading, ½ inch long, in three rows; densely flowered raceme, twisted, 4-5 inches long, ½-⅔ inch thick. =Labellum= oblong, apex rounded, crisped. Lateral =sepals= free; upper one arching with =petals=. =Stem= 6-25 inches high. =Leaves= at or near base, linear-oblanceolate, 3-14 inches long, with 2-6 bracts above.

_Continental Range_—From the Barren Grounds in latitude 64°-69° North, southward to Florida; westward to Minnesota, Kansas, Indian Territory, Texas, and New Mexico.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, common; Connecticut, very common.

5.—GYROSTACHYS SIMPLEX (A. Gray) Kuntze, 1867-1891[79]

LITTLE SIMPLE LADIES’ TRESSES

The specific name, _simplex_, refers to the simplicity of this species.

Slender sandy soil orchid, with _single_ tuberous root. August-September 9th.

=Flowers=, white, small, ¹⁄₁₂ inch long; in slender, twisting, spiked raceme, 1 inch long. =Labellum= obovate-oblong, short-clawed, and crisped at the summit; callosities nipple-shaped. =Stem= simple and slender, 5-9 inches high, with small bracts above basal leaves, glabrous, slightly twisted. =Leaves= 2-3 basal, oblong and short, disappearing at or after flowering season.

_Continental Range_—From Massachusetts, southward to Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee. It appears more frequent near the coast, from Nantucket, Delaware, Staten Island, and throughout New Jersey, in company with _G. gracilis_.

_New England Range_—Massachusetts, rare; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, infrequent.

6.—GYROSTACHYS GRACILIS (Bigelow) Kuntze, 1824-1891

SLENDER LADIES’ TRESSES

The specific name, _gracilis_, refers to the slender and grass-like spike of this species.

Small sandy woodland or pasture-land orchid, with several spindle-shaped tuberous roots. April 15th, Florida (Curtiss); May, Alabama; July 25th-September-October 15th, both North and South.

=Flowers= white, very fragrant, ⅙-¼ inch long, in a slender spiked raceme, 1-3 inches long, ⅓-½ inch thick, loose, usually much twisted. =Labellum= white on margins, thick and greenish in middle, ⅙ inch long, clawed at the base, crenulate at the apex. =Stem= 8-24 inches high, slender, grass-like. =Leaves= 3 obovate, sometimes nearly orbicular, basal, dying away at or before flowering season.

_Continental Range_—From Nova Scotia, southward throughout Canada, and New England, to Florida; westward to Minnesota, and Texas.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, very common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, common; Rhode Island, very common; Connecticut, common.

Showing the spindle-shaped roots; this species is closely allied with _G. simplex_, which produces but a single tuber.]

VII

Listera

R. Brown, 1813[80]

LISTER’S TWAYBLADE

The generic name, _Listera_, is in honor of Martin Lister, 1638(?)-1712, a correspondent of Ray.

Small orchids with fleshy-fibrous roots. =Anther=, 1. =Labellum= 2-cleft, longer than petals. =Sepals= and =petals= nearly alike. =Flowers= in terminal raceme, spurless. =Anther= erect, joined to column, without a lid. =Pollinia=, 2, united to gland, powdery. =Stem= 3-10 inches high. =Leaves=, 2, opposite, near the middle of the stem, 1-2 scales below.

_Continental Range_—In moist woodlands and boglands from Alaska, southward to Florida; westward to the Pacific coast. There are 12 species or more belonging to the north temperate zone which are closely related to species of _Gyrostachys_ and _Peramium_, save in the herbaceous foliage.

North American species north of Mexico 8
New England species 3
Hoosac Valley species 1-2

New England species:

1. _L. convallarioides_ (Swartz) Torrey, 1800-1826.
2. _L. auriculata_ Wiegand, 1899.
3. _L. cordata_ (Linnæus) R. Brown, 1753-1813.

1.—LISTERA CONVALLARIOIDES (Swartz) Torrey, 1800-1826[81]

BROAD-LIPPED TWAYBLADE

The specific name, _convallarioides_, refers probably to a supposed resemblance of this species to _Convallaria_, the Lily-of-the-Valley.

Small woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. June 9th-August 17th.

=Flowers= purplish-yellow, 3-15 spurless, subtended by acute bracts, ¼-⅓ inch long. =Labellum= wedge-shaped, broader than sepals or petals, produced into 2 distinct lobes at the apex, notched in center, ornamented with tooth at the base. =Sepals= and =petals= linear-lanceolate. =Stem= 4-10 inches high. =Leaves= 2, nearly orbicular in the middle of stem, opposite, smooth, obtuse at the apex, 3-9 nerved.

_Continental Range_—From the wooded coast Unalaska, southward throughout the Canadian provinces, to North Carolina; westward to the fir-forests of Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Bay region of California.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, infrequent; Massachusetts, doubtfully reported.

2.—LISTERA AURICULATA Wiegand, 1899[82]

AURICLED TWAYBLADE

The specific name, _auriculata_, from _auriculum_, ear, refers to the auricled base of the labellum and leaves of this species.

Small cedar swamp orchid, with fibrous roots. July.

=Flowers=, many in slender raceme. =Labellum= slightly ciliate, oblong, broadest at the auricled base, cleft ¼-⅓ its length. =Sepals= lanceolate; =petals= oblong-linear, longer than the ovary, spreading, obtuse. =Stem= 4-7 inches high, slender. =Leaves= large, oval, or elliptic-ovate, borne above the middle of the stem.

_Continental Range_—From Quebec, southward to Maine and New Hampshire.

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, rare.

3.—LISTERA CORDATA (Linnæus) R. Brown, 1753-1813.

HEART-LEAVED TWAYBLADE

The specific name, _cordata_, refers to the cordate or heart-shaped leaves.

Small, moist woodland orchid, with fibrous roots. June 27th-July 30th-August 8th.

=Flowers= minute, purplish, in a loose raceme, ½-2 inches long, 4-20 flowered, pedicels bracted, ⅙ inch long. =Labellum= 2-cleft, narrow, with a tooth on each side at the base. =Sepals= and =petals= oblong-linear. =Stem= slender, 3-10 inches high. =Leaves= 2, heart-shaped, or cordate ½-1 inch long.

_Continental Range_—From Alaska, southward to Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Pacific region; and New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, in the Atlantic region. It appears to be more of a northern plant than _L. convallarioides_.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, infrequent; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, rare.

VIII

Peramium

Salisbury, 1812

(Goodyera R. Brown, 1813)

RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN

The origin of the generic name, _Peramium_, is not given in the original description. It may come from _Ammon_, _Amen_, the Egyptian Sun-God of Life, since to the blotched leaves of this genus the Indians attribute great powers, as a remedy against the deadly amniotic poison received from the rattlesnake’s bite.

Orchids with erect bracted scapes, and fleshy-fibrous roots. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= concave, or sessile roundish-ovate. Lower =sepals= free, upper one united with petals into a galea. =Flowers= in densely-flowered, or 1-sided bracted spikes. =Anther= erect, attached to column, without a lid. =Pollinia= 2, 1 in each anther-sac, composed of angular grains attached to small disk, cohering with top of stigma. =Stems= or =scapes= bracted, 5-20 inches high. =Leaves= several, basal, blotched, with beautiful network of white, green or yellow, resembling a snake’s skin. =Seed-capsule= erect, nearly always maturing. =Seedlings= abundant in _conifer_ shades.

_Continental Range_—From Alaska, southward to Florida; westward to Minnesota and California. There are 25 or more species of this genus ranging in the temperate and tropical regions of the world.

North American species north of Mexico 5
New England species 4
Hoosac Valley species 3-4

New England species:

1. _P. repens_ (Linnæus) Salisbury, 1753-1812.
2. _P. pubescens_ (Willdenow) MacMillan, 1805-1892.
3. _P. Menziesii_ (Lindley) Morong, 1840-1894.
4. _P. ophioides_ (Fernald) Rydberg, 1899-1901.

1.—PERAMIUM REPENS (Linnæus) Salisbury, 1753-1812

SMALL ONE-SIDED GOODYERA—NET-LEAF RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN

The specific name, _repens_, refers to the creeping roots of this species.

Small _conifer_, woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. July 19th-August 5th-30th.

=Flowers= white, on _1-sided_ spike, ⅙-¼ inch long. =Labellum= saccate, recurved, narrowed at apex; column short. =Stem= 5-10 inches high. =Leaves= ovate, basal in a rosette, pointed, yellowish-green, ½-1¼ inch long, ⅓-⅔ inch wide, blotched with white or lighter yellowish-green; several bracts above. This species intergrades with other New England species of _Peramium_, so as to make their designation difficult in many stations.

_Continental Range_—From Nova Scotia, possibly Alaska (?), southward to Florida; westward to Minnesota, South Dakota, and Colorado. Ascends 5000 feet altitude in Virginia.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, infrequent; Rhode Island, very rare; Connecticut, rare.

2.—PERAMIUM PUBESCENS (Willdenow) MacMillan, 1805-1892

DOWNY RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN—CANKER-ROOT

The specific name, _pubescens_, refers to the hirsute or downy leaves and scape of this species.

Small _conifer_ woodland orchid, with fleshy-fibrous roots. June 15 Virginia (Curtiss); May 8th Wisconsin; July 4th-September, New England.

=Flowers= greenish-white, in densely-flowered (_not 1-sided_) spike. =Labellum= saccate, apex recurved, obtuse. Lateral sepals ovate; =petals= and upper sepal arching in an ovate galea. =Stem= 6-20 inches high, clothed with hairs, much more hirsute, or downy, than _P. repens_. =Leaves= basal, in a rosette, 1-2 inches long, strongly blotched with greenish-white, 5-10 scales above. The Creeping Goodyera (_P. repens_) intergrades with this species and causes confusion in designation. _P. pubescens_ spikes are _not 1-sided_, the rosette of leaves are of a bluer velvety green, blotched with a purer white network, while _P. repens_ rosette of leaves is dull yellowish-green.

_Continental Range_—From Ontario, Newfoundland, southward to Florida; westward to Minnesota. Ascends 4000 feet altitude in North Carolina.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, common.

3.—PERAMIUM MENZIESII (Lindley) Morong, 1840-1894[83]

MENZIES’ RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN

The specific name, _Menziesii_, refers to the dedication of this species, in honor of the explorer and botanist Menzies.

Small _conifer_ woodland orchid, with fibrous-fleshy roots. June-July 21st-August 20th-September 15th.

=Flowers= greenish-white, spike _not 1-sided_. =Labellum= scarcely saccate, swollen at base, apex narrower, and recurved. =Anther= ovate, pointed; the buds, flowers, and leaves are all conspicuously acute. =Stem= 8-15 inches high. =Leaves= basal in rosette, bracts above, often without blotches of white; resembling _P. pubescens_ very much, although the basal leaves are stiffer and acute at apex and base. The _Peramiums_ intergrade with each other, confusing their specific characters.

_Continental Range_—From Loring, Chilcat, southeast coast of Alaska, southward to Lake Huron, Quebec, Maine, Vermont(?), and New York; westward to Arizona and California. Ascends 9500 feet altitude in Arizona.

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, doubtfully reported; Massachusetts, doubtfully reported.

4.—PERAMIUM OPHIOIDES (Fernald) Rydberg, 1899-1901

WHITE-BLOTCHED RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN

The specific name, _ophioides_, comes from _ophis_, a serpent, and _oides_, like, referring to the blotched leaves resembling a snake’s skin.

Small cold mossy woodland orchid with thick fleshy-fibrous roots. July-September.

=Flowers= greenish-white; galea concave with a short, strongly recurved tip. =Labellum= deeply saccate, with recurved margins and tip. =Anther= blunt. =Scape= 4-8 inches high, glandular-pubescent. =Leaves= basal in rosette, several; leaf-blade broadly ovate, dark green, usually with the white blotches most conspicuous along the cross-veins. Spike of flowers _1-sided_, loosely arranged. A variety of _P. repens_, with which it is confused.

_Continental Range_—From Prince Edward Island to Manitoba, southward to North Carolina, in company with _P. repens_ and _P. pubescens_.

_New England Range_—Vermont, frequent; Massachusetts, common.

IX

Achroanthes

Rafinesque, 1808

(_Microstylis_ Nuttall, 1818)

ADDER’S-MOUTH

The generic name, _Achroanthes_, refers to the green flowers of this genus.

Small orchids with solid bulbs. =Anther=, 1. =Labellum= cordate, or eared, at the base, embracing the column. =Sepals= free; petals linear, spreading. =Flowers= minute white or greenish, in a terminal raceme. =Anther= erect between the auricles, 2-celled. =Pollinia=, 4, 2 in each anther-sac, smooth and waxy, without caudicles or glands, and cohering at summit. =Stem=, 4-10 inches high. =Leaf= 1, with several scales at base of stem. =Seed-capsule= oval, or globose.

_Continental Range_—From Alaska, southward to Florida; westward to Nebraska and Arizona, where a species seeks 9500 feet elevation on Mount Graham. There are 70-80 species reported in the temperate and tropical regions of the world.

North American species north of Mexico 7
New England species 2
Hoosac Valley species 2

New England species:

1. _A. monophylla_ (Linnæus) Green, 1753-1891.
2. _A. unifolia_ (Michaux) Rafinesque, 1803-1808.

1.—ACHROANTHES MONOPHYLLA (Linnæus) Green, 1753-1891

WHITE ADDER’S-MOUTH

The specific name, _monophylla_, refers, inappropriately, to the one leaf, since each of our New England species are 1-leaved.

Small woodland orchid, with bulbous root. June 20th-July 25th-August 2d.

=Flowers= whitish, in a club-like raceme, 1-3 inches long, ¼-½ inch thick; flowers ¹⁄₁₂ inch long, minute, pedicels nearly erect, subtended by bracts ⅙ inch long. =Labellum= ovate, acuminate, notched on sides. =Sepals= and =petals= acute, narrow. =Stem=, 4-6 inches high. =Leaf=, 1, sheathing at its base, 1-2 inches long, distinguished from following species, _A. unifolia_, by being near base of stem instead of middle.

_Continental Range_—From New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, southward to Vermont, doubtfully reported for New Bedford, Massachusetts; westward to Oneida, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Indiana, and Texas.

_New England Range_—Maine, infrequent; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, Pownal, Swamp of Oracles (Marcus White), rare; Massachusetts, Berlin, and Spencer (Dr. G. E. Stone); Mount Greylock bog, North Adams (Marcus White), rare.

2.—ACHROANTHES UNIFOLIA (Michaux) Rafinesque, 1803-1808

GREEN ADDER’S-MOUTH

The specific name, _unifolia_, one-leaved, refers, like the preceding species, to the 1 leaf.

Small damp woodland orchid, with bulbous root. May-June 26th (South)-July 25th-August 10th-September (North).

=Flowers= in club-shaped raceme 1-3 inches long, 1 inch thick; greenish, minute, ¹⁄₁₂ inch long, pedicels slender, spreading, ¼-½ inch long. =Labellum= broad, 3-toothed at apex. =Sepals= oblong. =Stem=, 4-10 inches high. =Leaf=, 1, near the middle of stem, clasping, nearly orbicular. =Seed-capsule= oval, drooping.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, Ontario, southward to Florida; westward to Missouri and Minnesota. Ascends 4000 feet altitude in North Carolina.

_New England Range_—Maine, frequent; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, Pownal (Grace G. Niles), rare; Massachusetts, Mount Greylock pasture, North Adams (Marcus White), rare; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, rare.

X

Leptorchis

Thouars, 1808

(_Liparis_ Richard, 1818)

LILY-LEAVED TWAYBLADE

The generic name, _Leptorchis_, comes from the Greek, referring to a slender orchid. The former name, _Liparis_, referred to the smooth and shining leaves of these plants.

Small low orchids with bulbous roots. =Anther=, 1. =Labellum= nearly flat, often bearing 2 tubercles above the base. =Sepals= and =petals= spreading, petals usually narrow. =Flowers= in a terminal raceme, numerous and showy. =Pollinia=, 4, 2 in each anther-sac, smooth and waxy, slightly united, without stalks or glands. =Stem= or =scape=, 2-10 inches high. =Leaves=, 2, basal, broad, oval and shining, with several sheathing scales at base. Two or three seasons bulbs adhere to the latest bulb, and in time wither away. =Seed-capsule= long, erect, club-shaped.

_Continental Range_—In moist woodlands and along springy roadside banks. From Canada, New England southward to Georgia; westward to Iowa, Minnesota, and Washington. There are about 100 species of this genus, distributed in the temperate and tropical regions of the world.

North American species north of Mexico 2
New England species 2
Hoosac Valley species 2

New England species:

1. _L. liliifolia_ (Linnæus) Kuntze, 1753-1891.
2. _L. Loeselii_ (Linnæus) MacMillan, 1753-1892.

1.—LEPTORCHIS LILIIFOLIA (Linnæus) Kuntze, 1753-1891

LARGE LILY-LEAVED TWAYBLADE

The specific name, _liliifolia_, refers to the lily-leaves of this species.

Small, moist woodland orchid, with bulbous onion-like roots, more or less exposed. May 17th-June 1st-July 16th.

=Flowers= purplish-green in loose terminal raceme, many-flowered, and showy. =Labellum= purple, wedge-obovate. =Sepals= and =petals= narrow and reflexed. =Stem= or =scape=, 4-10 inches high. =Leaves=, 2, basal, oval, 2-5 inches long, smooth shining emerald-green. =Seed-capsule= club-shaped, erect.

_Continental Range_—From Maine southward to Georgia and Alabama; westward to Minnesota.

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, infrequent; Vermont, infrequent; Massachusetts, infrequent; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, frequent.

2.—LEPTORCHIS LOESELII (Linnæus) MacMillan, 1753-1892

LOESEL’S GREEN TWAYBLADE—FEN-ORCHIS

The specific name, _Loeselii_, refers to the dedication of this species in honor of the botanist Loesel.

Small damp thicket or dry sandy roadside orchid, with onion-like bulbous roots; old bulbs adhering to latest bulb, somewhat exposed. May 30th-June 25th-July 27th.

=Flowers= greenish, minute ⅙-¼ inch long, in a few-flowered raceme, smaller than preceding species, _L. liliifolia_; one of the smallest native orchids. =Labellum= pointed, obovate, apex incurved. =Sepals= narrow, lanceolate. =Petals= reflexed, linear. =Stem= or =scape= 2-8 inches high, 5-7 ribbed. =Leaves= 2, basal, 2-6 inches long, stiff, strongly veined, resembling Plantain leaves. =Seed-capsules= erect, wide-angled.

_Continental Range_—From Nova Scotia southward to Maryland, Kentucky; westward, to Minnesota and Washington.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, infrequent; Rhode Island, not reported; Connecticut, rare.

XI

Calypso[84]

Salisbury, 1807

BEAUTIFUL CALYPSO—NORTHERN CALYPSO

The generic name, _Calypso_, refers to the dedication of this genus to the Goddess Calypso. Its Greek signification is not only, as Salisbury wrote, to “cover and conceal” the stigma of the species, but also to preserve a poetical analogy between this botanical goddess, so difficult of access, and the secluded Goddess of Silence, whose Isle of Ogygia was fabled to be miraculously protected from observation by navigators.[85]

Small bogland orchid with solid bulbous and coralloid roots. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= shoe-shaped, saccate, 2-parted at the apex. =Sepals= and =petals= free, similar in texture. =Flowers= 1, large, terminal pendulous, bracted, resembling a Lady’s Slipper (_Cypripedium_). Linnæus wrongly designated this species _Cypripedium bulbosum_ in 1753. =Stem= or =scape= 3-6 inches high. =Leaf= 1, hyemal, appearing as an autumnal leaf about September 2d,[86] sheathed above by 2-3 scales. =Anther= lid-like below the summit of column. =Pollinia= 2, 2-parted, without caudicles, waxy, sessile, on a thick gland. =Seed-capsule= about ½ inch long, many-nerved.

_Continental Range_—From Alaska, Labrador, southward, to Middlebury, Vermont, and doubtfully reported for Pelham, Massachusetts; westward to California and New Mexico. First collected in the United States in the State of Vermont, at Charleston and Morgan by the botanist Carey, who resided at Bellows Falls in 1831-1833. A monotypic species ranging in cooler portions of north temperate zone, in Europe, Asia, and North America, assuming slight varietal changes in different regions.

North American species 1
New England species 1
Hoosac Valley species 0

New England species:

1. _C. bulbosa_ (Linnæus) Oakes, 1753-1842.

1.—CALYPSO BULBOSA (Linnæus) Oakes, 1753-1842[87]

BEAUTIFUL CALYPSO—NORTHERN CALYPSO

The specific name, _bulbosa_, refers to the bulbous root of this species, which was originally confounded by Linnæus in 1753 as a bulbous _Cypripedium_, and later placed under its generic designation _Calypso_ by Salisbury in 1807.

Small sphagnous bogland or _conifer_ woodland orchid, with bulbous and coralloid roots. April 19th-May 3d-June 15th-July 12th.

=Flowers= terminal, variegated with purple-pink, yellow, or white; shoe-shaped or saccate, resembling a Lady’s Slipper, with which genus it was confused by Linnæus in 1753. =Labellum= large, saccate or shoe-shaped pink-purple, 2-parted at apex, with patch of yellow (or white) woolly hairs near the point of division, spreading. =Sepals= and =petals= free, similar in texture. =Stem= or =scape= 3-6 inches high. =Leaf= 1, autumnal, appearing about September 2d, hyemal, basal, sheathed above by 2-3 scales. =Seed-capsule= ½ inch long, many-nerved.

_Continental Range_—From Sitka, Alaska, Labrador, southward to Middlebury, Vermont, and possibly as far south as Pelham, Massachusetts; westward to Humboldt Bay, mouth of Russian River, California, and northeastern New Mexico.

First collected in the United States in Vermont by the botanist Carey in 1831-1833. The Rocky Mountain _Calypso_ appears to be distinguished from the eastern _Calypso_ by producing a beard of white instead of yellow hairs at the point of division of the labellum. This varietal form is designated _Calypso occidentalis_ (Holzinger) Heller.

Robert Brown, as early as 1813, attempted to establish a distinct species in the American _Calypso_, from that of the European and Asiatic forms. He designated the North American form, _Calypso Americana_. Neither Lindley nor Hooker approved of this distinction, Hooker remarking that the species even in the same country may vary in structure or colors, but not permanently enough to designate it specifically. Smith, Richard and Lindley later agreed with Dr. Hooker in “considering the American, European and Asiatic _Calypso_ the same.”

_Calypso bulbosa_ is the only species of this genus in the north temperate zone, and is nearly related to the section _Pleiones_ of genus _Cœlogyne_, meaning “two-lipped” or 2-parted at the apex of the labellum. _Cœlogyne_ is a native of Asia, and many of the closely allied _Pleiones_ are alpine-orchids, their large rose-colored or cream-colored flowers clinging to the branches of sturdy oaks at an altitude of 7500 feet in latitude 30° North. _Calypso_ also seeks the colder lands, of the _conifer_ forests of Alaska and Labrador, in latitude 54°-69° North; while in the Rocky Mountain region it is found at an elevation of 4000-5000 feet above sea level.

_New England Range_—Maine, frequent; New Hampshire, infrequent; Vermont, frequent northward; Massachusetts, doubtfully reported.

“_Calypso, goddess of an ancient time,_
_(I learn it not from any Grecian rhyme._
_And yet the story I can vouch is true.)_
_Beneath a pine tree lost her dainty shoe._
_The goddess surely must have been in haste,_
_Like Daphne fleeing when Apollo chased,_
_And leaving here her slipper by the way,_
_Intends to find it on another day._”

W. W. BAILEY.

From lithograph in Meehan’s _Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States_, 1: 1878. By permission.]

XII

Corallorhiza

R. Brown, 1813

CORAL-ROOT

The generic name, _Corallorhiza_, refers to the coral-like masses of the roots of this genus.

Scapose orchids, saprophytes or root-parasites, with large masses of coralloid branching roots. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= 1-3 ridged. =Sepals= and =petals= equal; 1-3 nerved, lateral sepals united at the base with the foot of the column, forming a short spur. =Flowers= several in a terminal raceme, purplish, yellowish and white. =Anther= terminal, operculate. =Pollinia= 4, in 2-pairs, free, soft and waxy. =Stem= or =scape= 4-20 inches high. =Leaves= all reduced to scales. =Seed-capsule= oblong, drooping when ripe.

_Continental Range_—In rich woodlands. From Alaska, southward to Florida; westward to the Pacific region. There are about 15 species of this strange genus in the north temperate zone of the world. These species are destitute of green or any distinct form of foliage; their roots are without form, assuming coral-like masses, which draw nourishment for the plants from humus—the rich decay of dead roots and trees in the soil. These plants are known as saprophytes or root parasites.

North American species north of Mexico 9
New England species 4
Hoosac Valley species 3

New England species:

1. _C. Corallorhiza_ (Linnæus) Karst, 1753-1880-1883.
2. _C. odontorhiza_ (Willdenow) Nuttall, 1805-1818.
3. _C. Wisteriana_ Conrad, 1829.
4. _C. multiflora_ Nuttall, 1823.

1.—CORALLORHIZA CORALLORHIZA (Linnæus) Karst, 1753-1880-1883

EARLY CORAL-ROOT

The specific name, _Corallorhiza_, refers to the coral-like roots of the species and genus.

Scapose rich woodland orchid, with coral-like roots. May 11th-June 28th-July 12th-August 5th (North) September-October (South). A vernal orchid, North, and an autumnal species in Georgia. The dates of flowering for the _Corallorhizas_ are variable and not standard.

=Flowers=, 3-12 in a raceme 1-3 inches long, dull purple, about ½ inch long on short, minutely bracted pedicels. =Labellum= whitish, oblong, 2-toothed, shorter than petals, spur a small protuberance adnate to the summit of ovary. =Sepals= and =petals= narrow. =Stem= or =scape=, 4-12 inches high. =Leaves= reduced to 2-5 sheathing scales. =Seed-capsule= drooping.

_Continental Range_—from Greenland, and Kotzebue Sound, Unalaska, southward throughout Canada to Georgia; westward to Washington and Oregon. Ascends 7600 feet in Yellowstone Park, where it is rather common.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, frequent; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, common; Rhode Island, not reported; Connecticut, infrequent.

2.—CORALLORHIZA ODONTORHIZA (Willdenow) Nuttall, 1805-1818

SMALL-FLOWERED CORAL-ROOT—DRAGON-CLAW—LATE CORAL-ROOT—CRAWLEY-ROOT

The specific name, _odontorhiza_, comes from the Greek, _odons_, a tooth, and _rhiza_, a root, referring to the tooth-like shape of the coralloid roots.

Small slender woodland orchid, with coral-like masses of roots. February-March-May (South); July-August-September 6th-October 15th (North).

=Flowers=, 6-20, purplish, in raceme 2-4 inches long. =Labellum= oval, denticulate, narrowed at base; not notched, whitish; =spur= small, adnate to top of ovary. =Sepals= and =petals= lanceolate, marked with purple lines. =Stem= sheathed with 3-4 scales, 6-15 inches high. Confused with _C. Corallorhiza_ northward.

_Continental Range_—From Ontario, Canada; Halifax, Nova Scotia, southward to Alabama, Florida, and Texas; westward to Illinois and Indiana. Ascends 3000 feet in North Carolina.

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, Cole’s Grove, Williamstown (Cheney), rare; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, frequent.

3.—CORALLORHIZA WISTERIANA Conrad, 1829[88]

WISTER’S CORAL-ROOT

The specific name, _Wisteriana_, refers to the dedication of this species in honor of the botanist Wister.

Slender woodland orchid, with coral-branching roots. March 1st, Florida (Curtiss); Alabama, February-May.

=Flowers= whitish, 6-15, in spiked raceme 2-5 inches long; pedicels, erect and slender. =Labellum= broad and oval, white, clawed, with spots of crimson; notched at apex, differing in this from _C. odontorhiza_, which is not notched at the apex, but projects acutely; =spur= a conspicuous protuberance adnate to top of the ovary. =Stem= 8-16 inches high. =Leaves= reduced to several sheathing scales. =Seed-capsule= oblong drooping, when ripe.

_Continental Range_—From Massachusetts southward to Florida and Texas; westward to Ohio, taking much the same range, and flowering at the same time as _C. odontorhiza_.

_New England Range_—Massachusetts, rare.

4.—CORALLORHIZA MULTIFLORA Nuttall, 1823

SPOTTED LARGE CORAL-ROOT

The specific name, _multiflora_, refers to the multiplying of both flowers and plants in many stations.

Tall woodland orchid, with large masses of coralloid roots. May (Canada)-June 20th-July (Maine); August 14th (Massachusetts); September 15th (Connecticut).

=Flowers=, 10-30, brownish-purple, in spiked raceme 2-8 inches long; pedicels short; flowers ½-¾ inch long. =Labellum= white, spotted with purple, oval deeply 3-lobed, central lobe broad; side lobes narrow, apex curved. Spur manifest. =Sepals= and =petals= linear-lanceolate. =Stem= 2-20 inches high, purplish. =Leaves= reduced to several appressed scales. =Seed-capsule= oblong, drooping when ripe.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, southward to Florida; westward to California. Ascends 2500 feet altitude in Montana (Tweedy).

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, frequent; Rhode Island, rare; Connecticut, frequent.

XIII

Tipularia[89]

Nuttall, 1818

CRANE-FLY ORCHIS

The generic name, _Tipularia_, refers to the flowers resembling insects of genus _Tipula_.

Slender scapose orchids, with solid bulbous roots; several bulbs, or generations connected by offsets. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= 3-lobed produced into a long spur backwardly. =Sepals= and =petals= similar, spreading. =Flowers= in a long, loose terminal raceme. =Anther= terminal, operculate, 2-celled. =Pollinia=, 4, 2 in each anther-sac, ovoid, waxy, separate, affixed to short stipe, glandular at base. =Stem= 15-20 inches high. =Leaf= 1, basal, arising in autumn, about September 14th, hyemal after the flowering-scape has perished. =Seed-capsule= ½ inch long, 6-ribbed.

_Continental Range_—From Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, Vermont, to New Jersey, Alabama, and Florida; westward to Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Rare in sandy woods. There are but two known species reported for the world, the following, and another, native of Asia, in the Himalayan region. The American species is slightly distinguished from the Asiatic form by the blunt tip of its labellum.

North American species north of Mexico 1
New England species 1
Hoosac Valley species 0

New England species:

1. _T. unifolia_ (Muhlenberg) B. S. P., 1813-1888.

1.—TIPULARIA UNIFOLIA (Muhlenberg) B. S. P., 1813-1888[90]

(_Tipularia discolor_, Nuttall, 1818)

CRANE-FLY ORCHIS

The specific name, _unifolia_, refers to the 1 leaf produced by this orchid.

Alert, small moist sandy woodland or rocky hillside orchid, with solid irregular bulb or corm-like roots. Late July-August-October.

=Flowers= green, tinged with purple, ⅓-¼ inch long, in a loose raceme, 5-10 inches long; pedicels filiform, bractless. =Labellum= 3-lobed, central lobe narrow, prolonged, dilated at apex, side-lobes short and triangular. =Spur= straight, slender, twice as long as sepals and petals, giving an insectean poise to the dull flowers. =Sepals= and =petals= narrow. =Stem= 15-20 inches high. =Leaf= 1, basal, reddish-purple, strongly veined; arising from solid bulb, about September 14th, hyemal. =Seed-capsule= ½ inch long, 6-ribbed.

_Continental Range_—From southern Vermont, New Hampshire, southward to Florida and Alabama; westward to Michigan and Indiana. More abundant South. Nowhere common.

_New England Range_—Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, rare.

XIV

Limodorum

Linnæus, 1753

(_Calopogon_ R. Brown, 1813)

GRASS-PINK—MEADOW-GIFT

The generic name, _Limodorum_, comes from the Greek, signifying a meadow-gift.

Scapose orchids with solid bulbous roots. =Anther= 1. =Labellum=, hinged, arching above, and spreading; raised on a narrow stalk, dilated at the apex, bearded on the upper side with long club-shaped hairs. =Sepals= and =petals= nearly alike, separate and spreading. =Flowers= fragrant, pink-purple, 3-15 in a loose terminal raceme, seed-capsule (ovary) straight. =Anther= terminal, operculate, and sessile. =Pollinia= 2, 1 in each anther-sac, loosely granular. =Stem= or =scape= straight, not twisting as usual in other orchids, 1-1½ foot high. =Leaf= 1, grass-like blade, appearing first season, and followed next year by scape of flowers. =Seed-capsule= erect, oblong, and straight.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, Canada, southward to Florida; westward to Minnesota and Arkansas. There are 4 species of this beautiful genus endemic only to the Atlantic region.

A peculiar character of this genus lies in the ovary and stem being straight, causing thereby the labellum to arch above instead of drooping below the organs of fertilization, as instanced in _Orchis_ and _Cypripedium_. Seedlings appear numerous in many swamps.

North American species north of Mexico 4
New England species 1
Hoosac Valley species 1

New England species:

1. _L. tuberosum_ Linnæus, 1753.
(_Calopogon pulchellus_ R. Brown, 1813)

1.—LIMODORUM TUBEROSUM Linnæus, 1753

(_Calopogon pulchellus_ R. Brown, 1813)

GRASS-PINK—MEADOW-GIFT

The specific name, _tuberosum_, refers to the tuberous or bulbous roots of this orchid.

Beautiful grassy sphagnous meadow orchid, with bulbous roots. May 15th-June 1st-July 20th-August 1st.

=Flowers=, 3-15 pink-purple, 1 inch long, subtended by acute bracts in spiked raceme 4-15 inches long. =Labellum= hinged, arching above, owing to ovary and stem being straight; broad, triangular at apex; bearded on the upper side with yellow, orange, and rose-colored club-shaped hairs. =Sepals= and =petals= acute, ovate-lanceolate, similar in texture and color. =Stem= or =scape= 1-1½ feet high. =Leaf= 1, linear-lanceolate, 8-12 inches long, grass-like with several scales below. =Seed-capsule= straight, erect, oblong.

_Continental Range_—From Newfoundland, Nova Scotia to the shores of Lake Huron, southward throughout New England to Florida; westward to western Texas and Minnesota.

_New England Range_—Maine, common; New Hampshire, common; Vermont, common; Massachusetts, common; Rhode Island, common; Connecticut, common.

A beautiful grassy-leaved orchid found in company with the dainty Rose Pogonia, and frequently with the rarer Arethusa in wild cranberry marshes.]

XV

Aplectrum

Nuttall, 1818[91]

PUTTY-ROOT—ADAM-AND-EVE

The generic name, _Aplectrum_, comes from the Greek meaning without a spur.

Scapose orchids with bulb or corm-like roots. =Anther= 1. =Labellum= 3-lobed, shorter than petals. =Sepals= and =petals= about ½ inch long. =Flowers= without a spur, dull yellowish-brown in a loose raceme. =Anther= borne a little below the summit of column. =Pollinia= 4, lens-shaped. =Stem= or =scape= 1-2 feet high. =Leaf= 1, basal, arising from side of scape; several corms adhering to latest bulb; leaf develops in late autumn, about September 9th, hyemal; several sheathing scales above. =Seed-capsule= oblong, ovoid, angled.

_Continental Range_—From Ontario, southward to Georgia and Alabama; westward to Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and probably in northern California. Rather rare and local.

North American species north of Mexico 2
New England species 1
Hoosac Valley species 0

New England species:

1. _A. spicatum_ (Walter) B. S. P., 1788-1888.

1.—APLECTRUM SPICATUM (Walter) B. S. P., 1788-1888[92]

(_Aplectrum hyemale_ Nuttall, 1818)

PUTTY-ROOT—ADAM-AND-EVE[93]

The specific name, _spicatum_, refers to the flowers growing in a _spica_, or spike.

Tall, spiked damp sandy woodland or bogland orchid, with bulbous or corm-like roots. May 22d-July 1st (Northern States); April 20th-July 1st (Southern States).

=Flowers=, 1-9 dull yellowish-brown, mixed with purple, 1 inch long, short-pediceled, in a loose raceme 2-4 inches long. =Labellum= shorter than petals, 3-lobed. =Sepals= and =petals= ½ inch long, linear-lanceolate. =Stem= or =scape= 1-2 feet high, producing 3 scales above the leaf. =Leaf= 1, basal, arising at side of scape, from the latest bulb or corm; elliptic, 4-6 inches long, appearing about September 9th, hyemal—lasting through the winter.

_Continental Range_—From Ontario, southward to Georgia and Alabama; westward to Minnesota, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and probably California.

This species, like those of _Corallorhiza_, is not a definite dated flowering orchid; in the Virginian ravines it blooms as early as April 20th while in Wisconsin, and Missouri it blooms as late as July 1st. The average date for New England is from May 22d-June 25th.

_New England Range_—Maine, rare; New Hampshire, rare; Vermont, rare; Massachusetts, rare; Rhode Island, not reported; Connecticut, rare.

TABLE OF MEASUREMENTS.

ENGLISH METRIC.

1½ inch (1″) = 2 millimetres (mm.).
1 inch (1′) = 2.5 centimetres (cm.).
1 foot (1°) = 3 decimetres (dm.).

FOOTNOTES

[1] Thoreau, _Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers_, p. 244.

[2] Thoreau, “Walking,” _Excursions_, p. 252.

[3] Burroughs, _A Year in the Fields_.

[4] Milton, _Comus_.

[5] Whittier, _The Mayflowers_.

[6] Thoreau, _The Maine Woods_, p. 34.

[7] L. H. Bailey, Jr., _Talks Afield_, p. 128. 1885.

[8] Thoreau, “Walking,” _Excursions_, p. 252.

[9] Henry Baldwin, _Orchids of New England_, Plate 8, 1894.

[10] Henry Baldwin, _Orchids of New England_, p. 38, 1894.

[11] Henry Baldwin’s _Orchids of New England_, p. 37, 1884.

[12] Thomas Wentworth Higginson, _The Procession of the Flowers_, p. 47.

[13] Gray, _Fertilization of Orchids, in Sill. Journ. 1862-1863_.

[14] C. A. Crandall, _Plant World_, p. 6. Jan., 1900.

[15] Darwin, _Fertilization of Orchids_, p. 284. 1895.

[16] _Ibid._, p. 291.

[17] Darwin, _Fertilization of Orchids_, p. 292. 1895.

[18] _Ibid._

[19] Darwin, _Fertilization of Orchids_, pp. 285-286. 1895.

[20] Thomas Wentworth Higginson, _The Procession of the Flowers_, p. 17.

[21] John Richardson, M.D., _Bot. Appendix, Report of Franklin’s Journey_, 2d ed., p. 34, 1823.

[22] Dr. F. Kurtz, _List of Alaskan Orchids_, Expedition 1882.

[23] A. W. Driggs, _Catalogue Plants of Connecticut_, p. 19. 1901.

[24] F. F. Le Moyne, _Garden and Forest_, 3: 1890.

[25] T. W. Higginson, _The Procession of the Flowers_, p. 21.

[26] Thoreau, _Summer_, p. 198.

[27] _Ibid._, p. 347.

[28] Thoreau, _Summer_, p. 347.

[29] Darwin, _Fertilization of Orchids_, p. 226. 1895.

[30] Thomas Meehan, _The Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States_, p. 104. 2: 1878.

[31] Darwin, _Fertilization of Orchids_, p. 284. 1895.

[32] Dr. S. H. Scudder, _Proc. Soc. Nat. Hist. Boston_, 9: 1863.

[33] Thoreau, _Summer_, pp. 84-85. 1884.

[34] Dodoens, _History of Plants_, p. 156. 1578.

[35] Lyte’s translation of Dodoens’ _History of Plants_, pp. 161-162 (1 ed., 1578).

[36] Bryant, _The Gladness of Nature_.

[37] _Vacinium_ comes from _Baccinium_, and was derived from _Baccæ_—Dodoens, _Hist. Pl._, 1578.

[38] Clipping from _The Transcript_, North Adams, Mass., Feb., 1900.

[39] F. H. Blodgett, _The Plant World_, p. 52, March, 1902.

[40] Dodoens, _History of Plants_, 1578.

[41] _Ibid._

[42] Milton, _Lycidas_.

[43] Milton, _L’Allegro_.

[44] _The Plant World_, July, 1900; February, 1901; September, 1902; November, 1902.

[45] Dr. Rembert Dodoens, _History of Plants_, Lyte’s Trans., 1st ed., p. 119. 1578.

[46] Bryant, _To a Mosquito_.

[47] Hawthorne’s _American Notes_.

[48] Dodoens, _History of Plants_, p. 290. 1578.

[49] T. B. Aldrich, _Bluebells of New England_.

[50] Thoreau, _Maine Woods_, p. 300.

[51] Hawthorne, _American Notes_, September 9, 1838.

[52] Hawthorne, _Ethan Brand_.

[53] Thoreau, Tuesday, _Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers_.

[54] Thoreau, Tuesday, _Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers_.

[55] Hawthorne, _American Notes_, August 31, 1838.

[56] Dr. T. F. Wolfe, _Literary Shrines_, 173, 1895.

[57] Hawthorne, _American Notes_, July 31, 1838.

[58] _Ibid._

[59] Hawthorne, _American Notes_, July 31, 1838.

[60] Burroughs, _Riverby_.

[61] Bryant, _The Painted Cup_.

[62] Thoreau, _Letters_. To Sophia Thoreau, May 22, 1843.

[63] Bryant, _To the Fringed Gentian_.

[64] Former generic designations, now antedated.

[65] Genera not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[66] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although reported for Connecticut.

[67] Nicholson’s _Ill. Dict. and Gard. Ency. Hort. Gard. Kew_, 1887.

[68] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[69] Doubtfully reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[70] Doubtfully reported for Hoosac Valley region, but should be looked for wherever _H. hyperborea_ grows.

[71] A. L. Andrews, _Rhodora_, 4:79-81, 1902.

[72] Doubtfully reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[73] A. L. Andrews, _Rhodora_, 4: 79-81, 1902.

[74] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[75] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[76] Species doubtfully reported for the Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[77] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[78] Species doubtfully reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Massachusetts.

[79] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Massachusetts.

[80] Genus doubtfully reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[81] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.

[82] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of northern New England.

[83] Species not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of northern New England.

[84] Genus not reported for Hoosac Valley region, although native of Vermont.