Putty-root
Aplectrum Hyemale
From Nearctica
Identification: Flowers green-yellow with the apices of the petals tipped with magenta. Lower petal with a ragged outer margin. Lateral and upper "petals" forming a three rayed star. Flowers arranged in a loose, terminal spike. Stem smooth. Plant with a single, large, ovate-elongate leaf at the base of the plant. Leaf vaguely accented with white along the veins. Leaf develops after flowering, overwinters, and then disappears before flowering. Plant 10 to 16 inches in height.
Distribution: Local, but found throughout most of eastern North America.
Habitat: Puttyroot is found in old, deciduous forest.
Flowering period: May to June.
Similar Species: The yellow-green flowers tipped with magenta and the ragged margin of the lower petal are distinctive features for this species.
