Bletilla striata Ogon Athyrium just prior to the emerging

just prior to the emerging foliage

Emerging alongside the leaf stalk is a narrow green hood to 2-3"

arrowhead-shaped leaves

And who says mothball-sniffing herbarium taxonomists don't have a sense of humor

blue-braided Afro

Bletilla striata Ogon Athyrium just prior to the emergingTo quote former President Jimmy Carter, "I have lusted in my heart" after first seeing Bletilla striata 'Ogon' at the JC Raulston Arboretum many years ago. The golden foliage, which resembles young palm leaves, emerges in mid spring along with the new flower spikes, which quickly rise along with the leaves. The flowers of Bletilla striata 'Ogon' top out at 2' tall, about 6" above the foliage. The contrast of the purple flower and golden foliage is one