Description
Galearis spectabilis can be found in eastern mesic deciduous woodlands. G. spectabilis begins growth in spring, producing one to two oval, fleshy basal leaves from a rhizome, which persist throughout summer. Flower stalks arise on 10-15 cm stems late May into June producing anywhere from 3 to 12 flowers. The flowers are hooded and the namesake of the plant due to the showy, typically bicolored lavender and white flowers. The lavender hood is formed from three fused sepals. Two petals are tucked inside the hood and the labellum (third petal) is longer and white. Plants are slow growing and will form clumps overtime via crown offshoots from the rhizome.
Pollination of the flower is conducted by long tongued Bombus, other bees, butterflies and moths. Besides it alluring colors, G. spectabilis flowers also provide pollinators a nectar reward which collects at the base of the spur. G. spectabilis is typically found on hillsides which may be rocky, damp and near seeps growing under a canopy of deciduous trees in half to deep shade. Interestingly, plants have also been reported to be found thriving living just about a floodplain, again under a deciduous canopy. Plants are rarely seen in full sun.
There are two color variants of this plant. One is G. spectabilis f. gordinierii which has an all white flower, the other G. spectabilis f. willeyi with an entirely pink flower.
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