Unidentified orchid - Orchid Board

condogal · #1 11-05-2009, 12:19 PM

If I have posted this twice please excuse me as I can't find my original post.

This plant has recently appeared all over my property here in northern Michigan and I think its in the Helleborine family. However, it is much shorter and the pouch like bloom appears only at the top of each stem. The leaves are similar to ladyslippers and its height between 10-12". It had bloomed around July 4th this year. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Royal · #2 11-05-2009, 12:55 PM

I doubt it's a slipper based on it's appearance and siting, but I'll wait to see what a northerner that may be more familiar would say.

kiki-do · #3 11-05-2009, 01:00 PM

I don't know if it's just me or what, but I can't see like I use to.

Anyway, the leaves look like a trillium plant....but I really can't see it as good as I'd like. I'm not even sure I spelled trillium right, but that's what came to mind.

Tom-DE · #4 11-05-2009, 06:38 PM

It is a Epipactis species. Maybe Epipactis helleborine, which in U.S, it is an alien species from Europe. Do you have a close-up of the the flower?

lepanthes89 · #5 11-05-2009, 06:41 PM

Hi;
It's in my neighborhood also.Its a European species:
Epipactis Helleborine.
I've even seen a purple leaved variety offered for sale.!
take care
Spiro

condogal · #6 11-06-2009, 11:03 AM

Thanks for all the responses. Doesn't clicking on my photo enlarge it so you can see more detail? If not, let me know and I can repost. In orchid books, mine is still a little different than the Epipicactis Helleborine listed there. It is so much smaller and does not have that TALL stem with flowers up and down it. Cannot find any info anywhere on the EXACT description as mine so shall I assume it is of the same variety?

lambelkip · #7 11-06-2009, 08:58 PM

I'm 100% certain it's Epipactis helleborine.
there are only 2 species of Epipactis found in the U.S., and only 1 found in your area.
There are over 60 named varieties of Epipactis helleborine, and of those, 12 are officially recognized as subspecies, so don't be surprized that yours doesn't exactly match the ones in the books.

condogal · #8 11-06-2009, 10:03 PM

I think you're right, Kip. I have one last question. When it goes to seed, can I gather them to plant elsewhere as well? I'm assuming the seeds form inside the pouch/bloom???? Hopefully they will reappear next year.

lambelkip · #9 11-06-2009, 10:51 PM

last I heard, Epipactis helleborine was a protected species in Michigan (in spite of the fact that the U.S. government considers it an invasive weed). it might not be legal to collect the seed, even from plants on your own property.
It is very difficult to grow orchids from seed (see the Propagation forum). If you're going to try it, I recommend trying a species that's less difficult.