January 20, 2026

Approximately 64 species of Orchids call Virginia their native home. This is one of those native Orchids, Putty Root (Aplectrum hyemale), often found growing alongside Beech and Maple trees, in calcareous ravines.

It has an odd way of presenting itself. Its single leaf emerges from the soil in late November and lives until March. A rumpled looking leaf with thin white stripes alternating with broader green stripes. The other side of the leaf, which often faces down, is a purplish green or a dull purple.

Blooming takes place mid-May to early June, producing a stalk or scape on which 6 to 18 flowers are arranged. The flowers are 3/4 to 1 inch long and slightly less across. There are years though when that single winter leaf does not produce a flower due to environmental conditions during the winter.

A single scape with blooms in the summer and a single leaf during the winter, but not together.

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