Puttyroot Orchid follows an unusual life cycle: a single, beautifully veined evergreen leaf appears in fall and persists through winter, dying back as the plant sends up a flower stalk in spring. The raceme of brownish-yellow and purple flowers is not showy but is charming on close inspection. It grows in rich, moist upland and bottomland forests across the eastern United States and is often overlooked except in winter when its solitary leaf stands out. Its common name refers to the glutinous substance in its corm once used as a glue.
Best time to see a Puttyroot Orchid
The best time to see a Puttyroot Orchid is February–May, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 12,310 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Puttyroot Orchid? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Puttyroot Orchid sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Puttyroot Orchid?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.