Pterostylis plumosa

Bearded Greenhood

Perennial herb rising from round tubers to form small colonies. Central sepal and petals united into a galea (hood) over the column and labellum (lip). Lateral sepals joined at the base, ending in fine points.

Additional information

SynonymPlumatochilus plumosum
FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size15-30 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
Leaves5-20 fleshy lance-shaped pale green leaves crowded around the base of the stem and extending upwards, 1-3 cm x 5-15 mm. 1-3 small closely sheathing stem leaves.
Flower colourShiny green with darker stripes
Flowering timeAugust to October
FlowersSingle flower to 35 mm. Hood erect, sepal tip finely pointed, obliquely erect. Lateral sepals narrow, drooping, points incurved, to 30 mm. Lip fine, bearded with yellow hairs, projecting forward.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist well drained soil in heathy woodland. Semi shade.
Garden useUse of orchids in gardens is not recommended, unless they already occur naturally, in which case they need to be protected. Removing orchids from the bush usually results in their death and further depletes remaining wild orchid populations.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites and becoming rare.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Related speciesSimilar to Pterostylis tasmanica which is known from a single site within the Shire. It is smaller with a denser beard and a shorter point on the hood.