Cranefly Orchid

Honeybees rarely visit the cranefly orchid due to its primary pollination by nocturnal moths, which access nectar from long spurs; pollen is presented in specialized pollinia unsuitable for bee collection. Peak bloom occurs in late summer, providing negligible rewards during a season of plentiful alternatives. It grows in shaded, moist woodland soils rich in organic matter, with a single leaf emerging in fall and persisting through spring before senescing prior to flowering; protect from browsing in exposed sites.