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Native Plant Database

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Arethusa bulbosa (Dragon's mouth)
Vick, Albert F. W.

Arethusa bulbosa L.

Dragon's mouth, Swamp Pink

Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)

USDA Symbol: ARBU

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A smooth stalk bearing 1-3 long, tubular, sheathing, nearly bladeless leaves and topped by 1 bright pink, fragrant flower.

Named for the fountain nymph Arethusa, the flower suggests an animals open mouth. Its unusual lip petal serves as a platform for insects, especially bumblebees, that enter the flower for nectar and pick up the powdery pollen masses as they leave. (Niering)

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft. , 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CT , DC , DE , IL , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , VA , VT , WI
Canada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Saskatchewan east to Newfoundland, south to South Carolina, and north and northwest to Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Native Habitat: Bogs, swamps, and wet meadows.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Soil Moisture: Wet

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Bees
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Arethusa bulbosa in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Arethusa bulbosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arethusa bulbosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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