P h o t o b y T h o m a s G . B a r n e s
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Habitat:
Calcareous meadows, prairies, glades; in KY, plant generally found at the lower edge of limestone slope glades.
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Species Description:
Perennial herb.
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Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early May to late June.
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Additional Information at NatureServe
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Diagnostic Characteristics:
Plants with alternate plicate (folded) leaves on the stem (not basal) but sometimes overlapping at the base and present at flowering. One to two flowers per plant and a lip with a sac-like pouch. Sepals and lateral petals greenish lanceolate-acute, usually twisted, and lip white and 2-5 cm in length.
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Management:
Woody plant invasion may need to be controlled using periodic prescribed fire, mowing or other means. Timber removal may be beneficial. Hand removal of trees in the vicinity is needed to maintain the open character of the habitat for this species. Soil disturbance such as ATV trails or timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species
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Global Range:
Extant in sixteen states and two Canadian provinces. Manitoba south to central Nebraska, Iowa; east to Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, New York and Ontario. Also in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois. Extirpated from Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Saskatchewan.
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Known Kentucky Occurrences:
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