Tipularia discolor - Crane-fly Orchid

Crane-fly Orchid is a terrestrial woodland orchid and is the only species of the genus Tipularia that grows in North America. Though most orchids are noted for being showy and colorful, this delicate orchid is neither, and the interesting thing is the leaf is perhaps more showy than the bloom. Each individual plant has only one bright green leaf that is shiny on top with a deep purplish-burgundy underside.  The leaves emerge in late fall and disappear in spring, so there is no leaf when they are blooming. The blooms, which can be easily missed, are delicate and spindly, almost wispy, and their color is a very earthy, pinkish-brown.  The spindly blooms led to the name as they resemble the long-legged insect, the Crane-fly.

Shade Semi Shade, Rich Soil, Summer Fall, 15-20 in Tall, Zones 6-9