Northwestern twayblade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northwestern twayblade |
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| Neottia banksiana in Mount Rainier National Park | |
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| Genus: |
Neottia
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| Species: |
banksiana
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The Neottia banksiana is a special type of orchid often called the northwestern twayblade. For a long time, scientists knew this plant as Listera banksiana or Listera caurina. However, new studies looking at the plant's DNA showed that it belongs in a different group. So, all Listera species were moved into the older Neottia group. This means the northwestern twayblade is now officially known as Neottia banksiana.
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Where Does the Northwestern Twayblade Grow?
This unique orchid calls North America home. You can find it in the northwestern parts of the continent. Its range stretches from Alaska all the way down through the Pacific Northwest. It grows as far south as Mendocino County in California. You can also spot it in the Grand Teton Range of Wyoming.
What Kind of Places Does it Like?
The northwestern twayblade prefers places that are damp and not too sunny. It often grows in the understory of mountain forests. This means it lives beneath taller trees where it gets plenty of shade.
What Does the Northwestern Twayblade Look Like?
This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a special underground stem called a rhizome. The plant stands upright, usually reaching about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) tall.
Its Leaves and Flowers
Near the bottom of its stem, the northwestern twayblade has one pair of green leaves. These leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. The plant's flowers grow in a small cluster called a raceme. These flowers are usually green or yellow-green. Each flower has three parts called sepals, which look like small leaves. It also has two similar petals. The most interesting part is one special petal called the lip. This lip is longer than the others and has a rounded end.
