Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
CALOPOGON oklahomensis
Plant Common Name
Grasspink, Oklahoma Grasspink
General Description
The Oklahoma grasspink bears stalks of lightly scented rose-pink blossoms from spring to midsummer, depending on geography. This herbaceous perennial wildflower is a true prairie forb that grows from an elongated corm (bulb-like root). In the wild it can be found growing in pine savannas, acid sandy to loamy prairies, open oak forests and bog edges. Very similar in physical characteristics to the bearded grasspink (Calopogon barbatus), which is usually non-fragrant, the Oklahoma grasspink hails from numerous isolated habitats in the south-central United States with one adjunct population existing in Wisconsin.
The slender, grass-like leaves of this orchid are parallel-veined and bright medium green. Each plant produces a tall, upright stem with two to seven blossoms that almost open simultaneously. The flowering season is earlier in warmer climates, but as late as midsummer where winters are longer and colder. The variable magenta-pink to white flowers have five petals which surround around a curved, anvil-headed floral tube. The upper petal sports a bright yellow tuft or "beard" of trichomes that resembles a mass of pollen. Once a pollinating bee lands on the blossom's lip petal, the upper bearded petal folds back and dots pollen onto the back of the insect. When the bee visits the next flower, its backside wipes pollen onto its floral tube. Seed capsules follow and release seeds by autumn.
Easily grown from seed, Oklahoma grasspink prospers in moist, non-alkaline soil that contains organic matter, though it will tolerate periods of drought. It needs full to partial sun for best growth and flowering. Plant it in a naturalistic moist wildflower meadow, sunny woodland glade or bog garden. Healthy plants will naturalize. When not in flower, this orchid looks just like a grass.
Oklahoma grasspink is rare or extinct in many areas where it once thrived.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
5"-14" / 12.7cm - 35.6cm
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Width
2"-6" / 5.1cm - 15.2cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
North-Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
