The orchid blooms from July through September, but is infamous for its elusive nature, with ephemeral flowers lasting for only several hours on a few days of the year.

[3] It has further been reported that populations across a region synchronize blooming on specific days, making observation of flowering specimens even more difficult.

[5][6][7] Triphora trianthophoros is native to the eastern North America, ranging from as far south as Panama and north through Central America and the central and eastern United States into Ontario.

[2] Despite its wide distribution, the species is rare throughout much of its range and has been given G3G4 (secured, but with cause for concern) conservation status by NatureServe.

[8] Triphora trianthophoros is usually found in mixed deciduous forests.