Features: The Nodding Pogonia (Triphora trianthophora) is a small orchid which grows in deep leaf litter in dense forests. Its common name refers to the tendency of the stalks supporting the flowers to droop. Flowers are variable in number, pale purple in colour and open for just one day. The characteristic "lip" of the orchid flower serves as a landing platform for pollinating insects. Like many orchids, the Nodding Pogonia obtains some of its nutrients through a mutualistic relationship with soil fungi.

Status: Endangered Provincially and Nationally

Range: The Nodding Pogonia occurs in east central North America, from southern Ontario and Michigan west to eastern Kansas and Oklahoma and south to Texas, Louisiana and northern Florida. In Canada, it occurs only in Ontario and is known for certain only at Rondeau Provincial Park on the north shore of Lake Erie. Range Maps

Threats: The mature deciduous forest habitats required by this species are in short supply throughout its range due to land clearing and forestry practices. Grazing of plants by deer is a threat to remaining populations in Ontario. A storm at Rondeau Provincial Park in 1998 caused severe damage and likely contributed to declines there.

Protection: The Nodding Pogonia is listed under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, which protects the species from being killed, harmed, possessed, collected, or sold, and protects the habitat from damage or destruction. The Natural Heritage component of the Provincial Policy Statement under Ontario's Planning Act provides for the protection of significant portions of the habitat of species listed in regulation under the ESA. Ontario's Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP) will provide 100% tax relief to private landowners for the portion of their property (minimum size 0.5 acres) determined to be habitat of species in regulation under the ESA. The CLTIP program recognizes, encourages and supports private land stewardship. One Ontario population is protected within a Provincial Park. International trade in orchids or their parts is controlled under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Text Sources: Woodliffe 1988

Last Modified Date: October 2008