Monday, September 28, 2015

Thirty-second and Last Orchid of the Season and Others


We had not expected to find any more native orchids, at least not any new species, when we were out hiking August 7th.  We did, however, find the thirty-second orchid of the season and a new species for us in Washington.  Though we had seen this species a number of times previously, when I checked my records I discovered that this was the first time we saw it in the state.  The orchid is the best of our Platantheras, Platanthera orbiculata, the Pad-leaved Orchis, known both for its large, shiny plate-like leaves which are held close to the ground and for its intricate greenish-white flowers.  The plant can be up to 75 cm tall, but these were smaller, nearer 30 cm.  They were almost finished flowering, but were unmistakable and were growing where one would expect to see them, in an open woodland.  Because the flowers were not that fresh I've included a couple of other pictures from another location.






Along with the Platanthera we found quite a number of Goodyera oblongifolia, the Giant Rattlesnake Orchis, still blooming. These in fact were everywhere, and though they are so common that we usually do not even bother to photograph them, it was nice to see them when hardly anything else, orchids or wildflowers, was blooming.



6 comments:

Thelma said...

Very Pretty.

Ron said...

Thanks, Thel. Much appreciated.

Upupaepops said...

If I remember correctly I found the same Pad-leaf on the same hike

You are the Master. I mean it when I say it is time for a new book

Ron said...

Thanks for the kind comments, Marti. I'm sure these are the same as you saw. There were actually quite a few of them, but not all still had flowers. Will have to go earlier next year.

Anonymous said...

Hello Ron!

I love your blog and all that you've done for promoting native species in the Pacific Northwest.

I was wondering if you have an email I could contact you with regarding varieties and forms on Vancouver Island? Feel free to email me if that's easier, canadiancarnivorousplants@gmail.com

Thanks for your time!

Justin

PS I seem to be having troubles commenting so I apologize if I have left multiple comments.

Ron said...

Thanks, Justin, for visiting and for your kind comments. Appreciate the contact and will get in touch with you via email.