Aplectrum hyemale – is a hardy orchid with beautiful pleated blade-shaped bold foliage which emerges late season is marked with quite handsome longitudinal striations and glossy purple undersides. The foliage lasts through the winter. Eight to twenty flowers occur on a spike arising in spring. The pretty blossoms are variable in color; there are some that are reddish purple over a white base, some may be greener while others may have an infusion of yellow in the mix. Leaves grow to 10 inches long by 3 inches wide, flower stalk: to 18 inches tall. I fully expect there are white forms which have yet to be selected. This herbaceous perennial whose common name is “Adam and Eve” referring to its tendency to form double bulbs goes summer dormant. Its range was over much of eastern and central U. S. and Canada with some populations even occurring in Arizona. Sadly, Aplectrum hyemale is now rare in the wild – decimated by over-collection for the making of window putty. As its range has been very wide ranging we expect that its hardiness may very well be determined by provenance. These are certainly northern hardy in USDA zone 5. It is easy and forgiving sited in part sun and dappled conditions planted in fertile moisture-retaining soils. Offset.