How to Grow Puttyroot
Puttyroot
Aplectrum hyemale
flowerPuttyroot is a rare, deciduous terrestrial orchid native to eastern North America with elegant, solitary nodding flowers. It produces a single mottled leaf in fall that persists through winter, disappearing by spring bloom time. The plant is known for its delicate pale purple or whitish flowers and is increasingly uncommon in the wild due to habitat loss and collection.
When should you plant Puttyroot in your zone?
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Example Puttyroot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Puttyroot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Puttyroot blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Puttyroot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7, tolerating zones 3-8
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Dormancy/Corm Development
June-SeptemberUnderground corm sits dormant in summer after foliage dies back; corm gradually enlarges and develops new growth buds
Reduce watering; allow soil to dry somewhat; provide cool temperatures; do not disturb
Leaf Emergence
September-NovemberSingle mottled leaf emerges in late fall, displaying distinctive purple-brown veining on pale green background
Increase moisture slightly as growth resumes; provide cool conditions; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; mulch lightly around (not over) emerging leaf
Vegetative/Overwintering
December-MarchMottled leaf remains active through winter, conducting photosynthesis during cool months; supports energy storage in corm
Maintain consistent, moderate moisture; ensure adequate humidity; avoid disturbance; provide cool winter temperatures; protect from excessive frost with mulch
Flowering
April-JuneSingle unbranched inflorescence emerges in spring bearing 5-20 delicate, nodding flowers ranging from pale purple to whitish with deeper coloring on lip
Leaf naturally yellows and dies back as flowering occurs; this is normal; maintain moisture; ensure adequate indirect light; do not remove dying foliage prematurely
Senescence & Seed Development
June-AugustFlowers fade and foliage completely dies back; seed pods develop if pollination occurred (often requires hand pollination in cultivation)
Allow foliage to die back completely and be absorbed by the plant; reduce watering; maintain cool conditions; seed maturation occurs underground
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use sulfur in severe cases; ensure good air circulation
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; improve air circulation; remove affected corms; use fungicide drench if necessary
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and
Hand-pick; create barriers; use copper tape; maintain dry areas around plants; beer traps
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects; neem oil as last resort
Uses
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalHistorically, the starchy corm was used by Native Americans and early settlers to create a putty-like poultice for wounds and skin conditions. Modern herbalism recognizes anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Native pollinator support
WildlifePuttyroot flowers attract native bees and other spring pollinators in woodland gardens. Growing this rare plant helps support declining woodland pollinator populations. [source]
Botanical specimen
CraftThe distinctive mottled leaves and delicate flowers make puttyroot a prized specimen for rare plant collectors and woodland garden enthusiasts. Its unique phenology offers horticultural interest year-round. [source]
Speciality garden interest
HouseholdPuttyroot appeals to native plant gardeners and orchid enthusiasts seeking challenging, unique woodland species. Successfully growing this plant is considered a significant horticultural achievement. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Do not harvest wild puttyroot—it is protected in many states and faces extinction risk. In cultivation, allow seed pods to mature fully underground (July-August) before carefully excavating corms in late summer to harvest seed. Sow seed immediately on moist seed-starting medium; germination is slow and erratic, occurring over 1-2 years. Cultivated plants rarely produce viable seed without hand pollination.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Puttyroot has a remarkable winter phenology—it's one of the few plants that grows its leaf in fall/winter when most plants are dormant, then flowers in spring as the leaf dies back. This strategy captures winter sunlight before deciduous trees leaf out.
- 🌱 The common name 'puttyroot' refers to the starchy corm, which Native Americans mashed into a sticky paste resembling putty, used both as food and medicine.
- 🌱 This orchid is increasingly rare in the wild and is now protected by law in many states; it is considered endangered or threatened throughout much of its range due to overcollection and habitat destruction.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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