Tipularia discolor aka Crippled Cranefly

Tipularia discolor is a woodland orchid. Its common names include cranefly orchid and tallow root. It belongs to Orchidaceae, the orchid family. Its native range spans the eastern and east-central United States. It grows across North Carolina, from mountains to coast. This perennial has an upright form and fine texture. Linked corms join the plants beneath the ground. It grows at a moderate rate.

The plant grows one oval leaf each autumn. That leaf lasts through winter and into spring. It dies back before the flowers emerge. The top may look dull or glossy green. Some leaves have raised purple spots on top. The underside is purple. Each leaf is simple, with a smooth, unbroken edge. This yearly leaf cycle leaves the flower stem bare. The smooth stem is greenish brown and has no scent.

Flowers bloom from July to September on an upright spike. The flower stalk reaches about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. The stem account gives 1–1.7 feet [0.3–0.5 metres]. Each flower is less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. The blooms have an uneven shape and slender parts. Their colors range from purple-brown to copper. Each bloom has a long nectar spur. Moths pollinate the flowers. The flower shape suits these moths. Oval, tan seed pods, called capsules, follow in autumn. Each capsule is under 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long and wide.

Grow this orchid in woods with decaying wood. It needs moist soil that drains well. Soil rich in organic matter suits its needs. It grows in acid to neutral soil. Give it part shade in the growing season. Choose a site that also gets winter sun. Its leaf stays on through that colder season. The source lists hardiness in USDA zones 6a through 9b. It rates the plant's care needs as medium. It lists division and seed as ways to grow new plants.

This species suits native gardens and shaded woodland sites. It also fits naturalized areas and gardens for pollinators. Its flowers provide a link with moths. The winter leaf adds interest when the plant lacks blooms. Several states list it as rare, threatened, or endangered. These state lists do not set a global conservation rank. North Carolina State Extension calls the corms edible. The supplied sources give no further details on food prep. They give no specific account of pests or diseases.