Triphora trianthophoros
Triphora trianthophoros, the threebirds or three birds orchid, or nodding pogonia, is a species of terrestrial orchid native to eastern North America. Description. "Triphora trianthophoros" is a small, terrestrial, semi-saprophytic orchid. The showiest member of its genus, "T. trianthophoros" has 1-8 (often 3, thus the name) nodding flowers that are roughly 2 cm in size and sit atop stems 8–25 cm tall. Leaves are small (~1 cm X 1.5 cm) and typically dark green to purple. The orchid blooms from July through September, but is infamous for its elusive nature, with ephemeral flowers lasting for only  several hours on a few days of the year. It has further been reported that populations across a region synchronize blooming on specific days, making observation of flowering specimens even more difficult. Several forms of "T. trianthophoros" exist, including forma "albidoflava" (Keenan) with white flowers, forma "caerulea" (P.M. Brown) with blue flowers, and forma "rossii" (P.M. Brown) with multi-colored flowers. Habitat and range. "Triphora trianthophoros" is native to the eastern North America, ranging from as far south as Panama and north through Central America and the central and eastern United States into Ontario. Despite its wide distribution, the species  is rare throughout much of its range and has been given G3G4 (secured, but with cause for concern) conservation status by NatureServe. "Triphora trianthophoros" is usually found in mixed deciduous forests. Co-located species often include partridgeberry and beech trees.