Late summer's heat, and this year's unusually high rainfall, have been a real boon to several of our native orchids.

One of our commonest late-season orchids is Rattlesnake Orchis (Goodyera pubescens). It's named for the leaves, which are patterned like snakeskin. Here's a nice peak-bloom sample from up on Unaka Mountain.






Here's another rather common orchid, especially in the high country. Have seen many Yellow Fringed Orchids (Platanthera ciliaris) this year, at Rocky Fork, on Unaka Mt and on Holston Mt.






Just one more - I saved the strangest for last...

Crested Coralroot (Hexalectris spicata) is an odd little orchid. The plant spends most of its life as an underground root. The root feeds on a certain fungus, which is a parasite on the roots of nearby plants. Crested Coralroot never grows any leaves. But every few years, when it has stored up enough food, and when conditions are wet enough, it sends up a stalk of these odd little flowers. This particular plant last bloomed about three years ago...






Hope you enjoyed these little blooms, and that you will share your comments & critique!

[Bob Harris]

I wouldn't of known most of those were orchids, nature gives us such beauty in different forms.

[OrchidJulie]

Arguably the largest family of flowering plants on the planet, Bob (depends on which botanist you ask...). Orchids are native everywhere except Antarctica and the deepest deserts, estimated +35,000 species. The fancy-flowered ones you see in stores are tropical or subtropical in origin (and the majority are hybrids, more than 150,000 hybrids registered to date), but many of our temperate-zone terrestrials -- like these! -- are beautiful in their own right. Wonderful images, Mole, thank you for capturing them and sharing!

[baro-nite]

It has been a remarkable summer for orchids in the southern Appalachians; the Yellow Fringed Orchids seem to be everywhere. I've always found it a challenge to photograph the Rattlesnake Plantain and am highly impressed by your beautiful shots. I'll have to look harder to find some Coralroot. Thanks as always for the naturalist's tour!

[mole]

Bob - Indeed creation is rich with limitless beauty, and some downright strangeness too!

Julie - Thanks for the thorough explanation - concise yet complete.

Baro-nite - This cool wet season sure has been a great one for many orchid species, but far less so for the insects. Best habitat for Crested Coralroot is areas with thin soil, limestone outcroppings but plenty of moisture. Flower stalks are only 6-10 inches tall, and the do tend to blend into the background. Happy hunting!

[Cee Cee]

some really wonderful shots of very pretty orchids, enjoyed the view
cheers

[leptim]

Some really nice shots. I would not have known those are orchids.