Pogonia ophioglossoides

“Pogonia” comes from the Greek word “pogonias” meaning “bearded,” referring to the bearded lip of most species in this genus.  The species name “ophioglossoides” comes from the Greek words “ophis” and “glossa,” which translates to “snake’s tongue.”  This refers to the resemblance of the solitary leaf of this plant to the similar solitary leaf of the Adder’s tongue fern (Ophioglossum spp.).  Others suggest that the lower lip projects outward like a snake’s tongue.