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Native Plant Database

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Hexalectris warnockii Ames & Correll

Texas crested coralroot, Texas Purple Spike

Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)

USDA Symbol: hewa

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Slender, nearly leafless, reddish-brown stems with up to 10 mostly reddish-brown, bilaterally symmetrical flowers in a loose raceme.

This is the most common Hexalectris in Big Bend National Park. There are four other species in the Southwest, all also found in the park; all have yellowish or reddish stems. Crested Coralroot (H. spicata), found from southeastern Arizona to the eastern United States, has yellowish-brown sepals, petals with darker veins, and a yellowish or white lip petal with purple veins.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , TX
Native Distribution: Southeastern Arizona, central Texas, and Big Bend region of western Texas.
Native Habitat: Open, brushy woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Endangered/threatened status for Hexalectris spicata in Texas
November 17, 2007
I was wondering about the status of Crested Coralroot Orchid (Hexalectris spicata) in Texas. Over the years I have located several clumps of them growing on a ranch in southern Bell county. The mos...
view the full question and answer

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

Metadata

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

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