Wild orchid in Oregon

[dreamweaver]

I was out hiking in western Oregon earlier in the spring and came across these wild orchids. Does anyone know what species they are?

[ronaldhanko]

It's called the Fairy Slipper, Calypso bulbosa. There are two varieties of this exquisite flower that grow in N. America, var. americana which is much more widespread and is distinguished by a yellow beard on the lip. This is the variety that grows only here in the west, var. occidentalis, distinguished by the spotted lip and white beard.

[ronaldhanko]

Here's a blog entry that includes our finding it in the North Cascades: Orchids and Serendipity: Goat Mountain
Actually, we've found it in four different locations this spring.

[dreamweaver]

Thanks! Your pics of other wild orchids are amazing! I didn't know we such a large variety of them here in the NW!

[ronaldhanko]

Originally Posted by dreamweaver

Thanks! Your pics of other wild orchids are amazing! I didn't know we such a large variety of them here in the NW!

Forty-two different native orchids in the state of Washington! Don't know exactly how many, but a similar number in the Oregon. We have really enjoyed hunting them.

[RosieC]

Great find! Isn't it exciting when you find wild orchids!

[quiltingwacko]

Fairy Slipper. Absolutely beautful. Glad I got to see one here as I never have in the wild. Carol

[kiwidog]

there is a nice little paperback book with pictures and descriptions of Oregons wild orchids. Don't remember the author but isc titled The Wild Orchids of Oregon I believe