Rose Pogonia
(Pogonia ophioglossoides)

Other common names: Snake Mouth, Snakemouth

Other scientific names: Arethusa ophioglossoides

French names: Pogonie langue-de-serpent

Family: Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)

Group: Orchids

Similar species:
  •   Fringed Polygala (Polygala paucifolia) - Smaller; grows in forests

  •   Arethusa (Arethusa bulbosa) - Larger flower, deeper blue.


Flowers: Summer;  Blue/Violet, White;  Irregular Flowers

Leaves: Alternate;  Simple;  Entire

Height: 10-20 cm (4-8 in)

Habitat: Bogs and fens

Lifespan: Perennial.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 38    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 214    ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 100   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Common

Photographs: 253 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

  

Rose Pogonia are extremely photogenic little orchids.

However, most people never see them as they grow in bogs.

The solitary flower blooms at the top of a short stem. These plants are no more than about 6-8" tall. There is a single leaf near the base of the stem.

This gives you a good idea of the size of the flowers.

Sometimes there is a hidden predator lying in wait for the unsuspecting insect who visits the flower. If you don't notice it, there is a white spider partially hidden behind the flower.

Flower bud.
  

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