Cephalanthera damasonium

The genus Cephalanthera is widespread mainly in the Eurasian Temperate Zone , with only one non-green species occurring in North America. The name of the genus derived from the Greek word ''kephale '' and '' anthera '' and refers to the plant's forward bent apical anther.C.damasonium grows out of an underground trailing rhizome . The stem tends to be 12-24 in 30 -60 cm tall and bears 3-5 evenly distributed egg-shaped leaves with lengthwise grooves . The sparse inflorescence put forth 3-20 cream -colored flowers with a yellowish lip . The flowers are capable of self-pollination and therefore open only very slightly . The species favors semi-shady-to-shady stations in forests ,preferring alkaline soils . It blooms between May and july and is widespread all over Europe and Asia Minor.