Epipactis helleborine?

[Fairorchids]

Doing yard work for a friend in Chatham, NJ, I discovered half a dozen orchids growing in a shady area. Using 'Orchids of theNortheast' field guide as reference, the basic plant fits the description of Epipactis helleborine, and the one flower that was open does as well. But:

It is a bit early, field guide states 3rd week of July to 3rd week of August. Following the last winter, if anything I would expect things to be later rather than early.

Flower spike has a slender leaf or bract under each flower. These do not appear in field guide photo.

Here is photo of two of the plants. I could not get my camera to focus on the single open (& drooping) flower, but will go back in a couple of days when more flowers are open.

Any thoughts?

[WhiteRabbit]

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Can't see the flower. Can't tell what it is.

Some Epipactis species grow just as large as the ones you posted pics of, and vegetatively speaking, there are also a few that look just like what you've posted.

I'm aware that very few species of Epipactis have naturalized in the northeastern US, but in order to properly ID the orchid, photos of the entire plant and close-ups of the flowers are needed.

[euplusia]

As far as I can see, plant size and aspect of leaves may well fit helleborine. Sure flower closeups are needed. Epipactis helleborine is widespread and common in Central Europe and it makes me wonder that it is also native in NJ.

[samarak]

Epipactis helleborine is widespread in North America, including all of the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. Doesn't mean that's what it is - others have noted that flower pictures are needed - but it's certainly possible.

(While I was verifying my recollection before posting the above, I also found that, incredibly, it has been reported from the wild within a few miles of where I sit in NW Arkansas, too. And yet I can't keep it alive in my greenhouse!)

I think Leon Glicenstein had an article in the AOS "Orchids" sometime in the last few years about Epipactis helleborine naturalizing well for him somewhere in the NE or upper Midwest U.S.

Steve

[Fairorchids]

Took more photos today. Appears that the photo in the field guide is somewhat atypical, as it shows a single line of flowers up the spike, and no bracts.

On the internet I found other photos, which closely resemble the plants I found so they are Epipactis helleborine. Here is an updated photo of the spike, and a close-up of a single flower.

[tropterrarium]

Looks like E. helleborine to me, particularly with the flowers. I saw some recently in Santa Cruz south of San Francisco. Depending on size they can look quite different. Yours is a very stately specimen. Flower coloration can also vary widely from pale green to almost completely dark purple.

[Fairorchids]

Yes, I am positive of the ID too. I am trying to reach the author of the field guide, to offer him better photos than the one he used in the book.

[Tindomul]

Nice find. Its a healthy plant with vigorous growth.

[RosieC]

Great find!