The Adam and Eve Orchid (Aplectrum hyemale) or Putty Root Orchid is a native wildflower known for its unique life cycle, understated beauty, and adaptability to woodland gardens. This unusual perennial is found in rich deciduous forests of parts of eastern and central North America. With a single oval-shaped leaf that appears in late fall and may persist through winter and early summer flowers, the Adam and Eve Orchid is a quiet treasure for woodland gardeners and native plant enthusiasts.

A fascinating feature of the Adam and Eve Orchid is its winter-growing characteristic.

In late fall, a single pleated, oval-shaped leaf pushes through the soil, often staying green throughout the dormant winter season when many other plants are leafless. This leaf harnesses energy throughout the cooler months, only to disappear in late spring, long before the flower stalk emerges. In early summer, a slender stalk emerges from the soil, adorned at its peak with pale green, nodding flowers tinged with yellow and purple-brown. While these blossoms are not brightly colored as many gardeners might expect from an orchid, they possess an understated elegance that is revealed upon closer inspection.

Native peoples and early settlers used the mucilaginous substance in the corms for its adhesive properties, which is how this plant got its common name, Putty Root. As Adam and Eve refer to the orchid’s two connected bulbs or corms that grow underground, which resemble a pair, hence the common name Adam and Eve Orchid.

In the garden, this orchid can be a great addition to naturalized woodland areas or shaded native plantings. It does well in humus-rich, moist, well-draining soils and enjoys dappled shade under the canopy of mature trees. Adapted to forest conditions, it needs little care once established and can slowly naturalize and form small colonies over time.

The Adam and Eve Orchid also has a role to play in woodland ecology.

 It is pollinated by native bees and other insects that are attracted to its mild scent and complex flower form. It is an indicator of healthy, undisturbed woodland soil, and is a source of pride for gardeners who grow native species.

The subtle beauty of the Adam and Eve Orchid is not found in flamboyant color or dramatic presentation. Instead, it lies in its seasonal patterns and unusual life cycle. It adds interest to the winter garden with its solitary, persistent leaf and returns in early summer with an unexpected floral display. This orchid is ideal for gardeners who appreciate native plants with a story to tell—a story of heritage, seasonal change, and ecological relationships—and are rewarded with a truly unique plant in their woodland garden.