Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis (Lindley) Ames (Lindl.) Ames
western spotted coralroot
Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
Introduction to Vascular Plants
western spotted coralroot
Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
Introduction to Vascular Plants
Map
Distribution of Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis
Click here to view the full interactive map and legend
Species Information
General:
Perennial, saprophytic herb from coral-like rhizomes; stems (15) 20-55 cm tall, red to yellow-brown, smooth.
Leaves:
Bractlike and sheathing.
Flowers:
Inflorescence a terminal raceme of 10 to 40 short-stalked, erect to spreading and ultimately bent back flowers, the bracts scalelike; sepals usually the same colour as stem, oblong to lanceolate, 5.5-10 mm long, the lower spreading; lateral petals deep pink to red, sometimes dark-spotted; lip 5-7 mm long, white, red- to purple-spotted, base with 2 lateral lobes, larger terminal lobe irregularly fine-toothed; spur less than 2.5 mm long; column 3-5 mm long, curved over lip, yellowish, purple-spotted.
Fruits:
Capsules, egg-shaped, drooping, 15-20 mm long.
Habitat and Range
Moist to dry forests in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; frequent throughout BC, especially along the coast, south of 55 degrees N, rare northward; E to NF and S to ME, MA, PA, SC, TN, IA, TX, NM, AZ and CA; Guatemala.Status Information
| Scientific Name | Origin Status | Provincial Status | BC List (Red Blue List) | COSEWIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata | Native | S3S5 (2020) | Yellow | Not Listed |
| Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis | Native | S5 (2020) | Yellow | Not Listed |
BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer.