Isotria verticillata (Large whorled pogonia orchid)

Seed capsule.

Isotria verticillata (Large whorled pogonia) has been reported from almost every state east of the Mississippi River. Having said that, it is quite scattered in its occurrence. It can be easily confused with another much more rare orchid species, Isotria medeoloides (Small whorled pogonia orchid), and the common Medeola virginiana (Indian cucumber root). Each of these species have whorled leaves.

Recently, I was lucky enough to meet someone who knows of a large population of this orchid species relatively close to my home. This population is in an old cemetery, and appears to have been undisturbed for many years. As I write this, the flowers are in seed, and I can hardly wait until next spring when I can photograph this wonderful orchid in bloom...