Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Arethusa bulbosa
Arethusa bulbosa L.
Dragon's Mouth, Swamp Pink
Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ARBU
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)
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)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft. , 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PinkBloom 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 , WICanada: 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.
Growing Conditions
Soil Moisture: WetBenefit
Use Wildlife: BeesConspicuous Flowers: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Additional resources
USDA: Find Arethusa bulbosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Arethusa bulbosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arethusa bulbosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff