Pogonia ophioglossoides aka Snakemouth Orchid

Pogonia ophioglossoides is an orchid that lives for many years. Its names include rose pogonia and snakemouth orchid. It grows across central and eastern Canada. Its range also spans the central and eastern United States. The native range is wide, but plants grow in scattered groups. Wild plants grow in bogs, fens, swamps, and wet meadows. They also grow in pine savannas and along stream banks. These sites have open ground and plenty of moisture.

Plants reach 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres] tall. They have a slim, upright form. Garden clumps can spread 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] wide. Runners above the soil and offsets help them spread. Wild plants can form much larger groups when conditions are ideal. Each stem is green and hairless, with a darker base. One simple leaf clasps the stem near its midpoint. It can be oval, elliptical, or shaped like a lance. Plants have no leaves at the base when they bloom. A small, stalkless bract may sit just below the flower.

Most stems bear one rose-pink flower under an inch across. The lower petal forms a lip, called the labellum. Rows of hairs give this lip its bearded look. These hairs can be pink, purple, or yellow. The lip can also have white or yellow marks. The flowers have a scent and draw bumblebees. North Carolina State reports blooms from March to June. Missouri Botanical Garden lists the bloom season as June to August. After bloom, seed pods called capsules point up or out. They turn from green to pale brown. Then they split and release tiny seeds. Fruit may stay on view from July to October.

Grow this orchid in a bog garden or bog container. Full sun is best, though it can take some shade. Give it acidic soil that stays moist to wet. Do not let the soil dry out. Peat moss, sphagnum, and sand help make a light bed that holds moisture. Where tap water is hard or alkaline, use rainwater instead. Distilled water or reverse-osmosis water also suits these sites. An acidic winter mulch can include pine needles or peat. Missouri Botanical Garden lists hardiness in USDA zones 3–8.

This orchid needs close care and takes time to settle. It does not cope well when disturbed. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease concerns. The flowers suit native gardens and gardens for pollinators with wet ground. Loss of habitat and collecting wild plants threaten native groups. Buy plants raised in nurseries by a trusted grower. Do not buy stock taken from the wild.