Pogonia << puh GOH nee uh >> is a type of orchid with distinctively shaped petals. Like other orchids, pogonias have flowers with an enlarged petal that forms a lip called a labellum (plural, labella). Pogonia labella have a beardlike appearance, and the word pogonia comes from a Greek term meaning beard.
Pogonias are perennials, which means they live for more than two growing seasons. They are native to North America and eastern Asia. The North American rose pogonia has a slender stem that typically grows 8 to 18 inches (20 to 46 centimeters) high. Each plant develops two narrow leaves and one pink blossom. People also refer to this plant as snake mouth.
The beauty of pogonia flowers make these orchids popular among gardeners. Pogonias grow best in moist soil in partially shaded locations.
