Early coralroot

Early coralroot is an orchid species that blooms in June-August. Its inflorescens is a sparse spike and the flowers are light yellow. The color of its upright and delicate stem ranges from yellowy white to brownish and after blooming it may turn greenish. The colour indicates that the plant has no chlorophyll and after all it is dependent on its mycorrhiza. The coral-like and branching mycorrhiza can spread on large areas under the ground.

Early coralroot is one of the most common orchids in Finland. It is pollinated by hoverflies and blowflies. Early coralroot flourishes in many different habitats like moist and paludifying forests, spruce mires, streamsides and moist meadows. Its area of distribution covers North America and Eurasia.

Early coralroot is a typical species of protected peatland habitats and near surroundings of small waters like springs.