Crane-fly Orchid
Tipularia discolor
Also listed as Tipularia unifolia, Limodorum unifolium
Also known as American Cranefly Orchid, Crippled Cranefly Orchid, Crippled Cranefly
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A delicate native orchid with distinctive purple-veined leaves and small maroon flowers on slender spikes. It prefers woodland conditions and is best suited for shaded garden settings or woodland gardens.
Why grow it
Tipularia discolor offers a native alternative to introduced woodland orchids, requiring minimal intervention once established in appropriate conditions. Unlike many ornamental orchids, this species needs no special potting media or artificial humidity; it integrates into existing shade garden ecosystems where woodland soil and leaf litter are present. It produces flowers later in the growing season than many spring-blooming native orchids, extending the period of subtle woodland interest.
Watch out for
This orchid depends on specific fungal associations in the soil for germination and growth, making it difficult to propagate from seed in standard garden settings. It may take several years to establish and flower after planting, requiring patience and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Plants can be slow to spread and are best left undisturbed once sited, as frequent transplanting disrupts their root associations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate native orchid with distinctive purple-veined leaves and small maroon flowers on slender spikes. It prefers woodland conditions and is best suited for shaded garden settings or woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Crane-fly Orchid grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Tipularia discolor offers a native alternative to introduced woodland orchids, requiring minimal intervention once established in appropriate conditions. Unlike many ornamental orchids, this species needs no special potting media or artificial humidity; it integrates into existing shade garden ecosystems where woodland soil and leaf litter are present. It produces flowers later in the growing season than many spring-blooming native orchids, extending the period of subtle woodland interest.
Watch out for
This orchid depends on specific fungal associations in the soil for germination and growth, making it difficult to propagate from seed in standard garden settings. It may take several years to establish and flower after planting, requiring patience and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Plants can be slow to spread and are best left undisturbed once sited, as frequent transplanting disrupts their root associations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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