Galearis spectabilis aka Showy Orchid

Galearis spectabilis, or showy orchis, is a small woodland orchid. It is native to eastern Canada and the north-central and eastern United States. Its range reaches south to Georgia and Alabama, and west to Kansas. This perennial grows in rich, damp woods, ravines, and river valleys. It grows slowly and stays close to the ground.

Plants reach 0.25–0.75 feet [0.08–0.23 m] tall. Some reach about 0.83 feet [0.25 m]. Their spread is 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 m]. A stout, upright stem has angles but no branches or hairs. Two fleshy leaves sit at its base and clasp the stem. They are dark green, glossy, and oval, with smooth edges. Each leaf has a fold running down its length. Leaves can reach 0.67 feet [0.20 m] long. Young plants bear just one leaf in their first year.

The flower stalk carries two to ten blooms in a raceme. Pink to pale purple sepals and petals join into a hood. A white lower lip bears a spur beneath it. The flowers may have a faint scent. Missouri Botanical Garden gives April to May as the flowering season. NC State lists May to June, so timing varies. Bumblebees and other long-tongued insects visit the blooms. Upright, oval seed capsules ripen in fall. Wind carries the tiny seeds away. Seeds need suitable conditions and a mycorrhizal fungus to sprout.

Grow this orchid in partial or full shade. It needs loose, humus-rich soil that drains well but stays moist. Acidic to neutral soil suits it. Work leaf mold into the soil or use it as mulch. Keep the soil from drying out and allow good airflow. The plant prefers cool summers and suits USDA zones 4–7. It is not recommended for warmer areas south of zone 7. Leave settled plants in place, since they dislike root disturbance. Seed propagation is difficult, and wild plants transplant poorly.

Showy orchis suits shaded native gardens, woodland beds, and wooded slopes. Its small flowers and glossy leaves provide spring interest. Neither NC State nor Missouri Botanical Garden reports major pest or disease problems. Yet both note that growing it can be difficult. Deer and other mammals may browse wild plants. Building, trampling, and collection also threaten wild colonies. Some New England states list it as threatened or vulnerable. Do not dig wild plants for garden use.