Small Whorled Pogonia

Isotria medeoloides

The small whorled pogonia is a perennial orchid that flowers from May to June. Discovered in North America in 1814, the plant has always been rare, found at only one site in southwestern Ontario, in the Calton Swamp area of Elgin County. As is the case for orchids, the small whorled pogonia is sensitive to disturbance, thus collection of specimens and recreational use of its habitat have had a devastating effect on the species' reproductive success. It is heavily protected by local, provincial, national, and even international laws, although there is no recovery project currently set up.