Tuberous Grasspink
Calopogon tuberosus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Calopogon tuberosus is a native orchid blooming pink flowers from June through August in wetlands across eastern North America. This tuberous grasspink thrives in full sun bog conditions from Maine to Texas.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Tuberous grasspink is a delicate native orchid that produces striking pink flowers with a distinctive upside-down bloom arrangement. This small, slender plant emerges from underground tubers and thrives in sunny, moist conditions. The grass-like foliage remains inconspicuous until the showy flower spike appears in summer.
Growing Tuberous Grasspink
Grow Tuberous Grasspink in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 2 to 6 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tuberous Grasspink takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears when dormant
- May be mistaken for weeds due to grass-like appearance
- Extremely small and sparse appearance
Wildlife value
The unusual flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. As a native orchid, it supports specialized pollinators that have co-evolved with this unique plant family.
Common questions
- When does Calopogon tuberosus bloom?
- Tuberous grasspink blooms from June through August, producing distinctive pink orchid flowers on tall spikes.
- What pollinators visit Calopogon tuberosus?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of tuberous grasspink, attracted to its showy pink orchid blooms.
- Where is Calopogon tuberosus native?
- This orchid is native to 34 states across eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Texas, and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does tuberous grasspink prefer?
- Calopogon tuberosus grows best in full sun wetland conditions like bogs, wet meadows, and marshy areas with consistently moist to wet soils.
- Is Tuberous Grasspink HOA-friendly?
- Tuberous Grasspink takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Tuberous Grasspink? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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