Small Whorled Pogonia is one of the rarest orchids in North America and among the rarest plants in the eastern United States, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. It produces a whorl of five leaves at the top of a hollow stem and one or two small, yellowish-green flowers. It grows in open, dry to moist second-growth forests with acid, well-drained soils across widely scattered locations in the eastern United States. The species is extremely cryptic — it may not emerge above ground for years at a time — making population monitoring difficult.
Best time to see a Small Whorled Pogonia
The best time to see a Small Whorled Pogonia is May–June, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 138 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Small Whorled Pogonia? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Small Whorled Pogonia sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Small Whorled Pogonia? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Small Whorled Pogonia is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.