I love native orchids; they exist right in front of us, but hide in plain sight. Catching them in bloom requires diligence and/or habit. There are times when I have rushed to see Showy Orchis, Pink Lady’s Slipper, or Yellow Lady’s Slipper in bloom, and found only stalks holding shriveled flowers. Timing and planning, while hand-in-hand for success, are also impacted by the vagaries of weather, microclimates and variations within plant communities. At the same time, there are so many trails out there, with unknown delights waiting to be explored. That is the conundrum- is it best to revisit favorite spots, or abandon the known for the unknown?
These images are from several different spring hikes in Nantahala National Forest, Harmon Den wilderness, and Pisgah National Forest. They are chronicled by bloom date, between May 2 and May 17.
Orchids by the dozen
Showy orchis combines many of the best features of native orchids. It grows in a raceme, with flowers located along the stalk, showing off its lovely pink and array of light to dark purple hues. The top sepal forms a protective hood, guarding the lower tongue-like strip that guides pollinators.
We were searching for Lady’s Slippers, both pink and yellow, on this trip. But we were rewarded by Showy Orchis growing both alone and in large clumps. https://hikescape.org/wildflowers-harmon-den-wildlife-management-area/
I had my friend Jack with me on this hike; he has been staying with our family after leaving New York City as a result of COVID-19. It was fun having him join me on the trail. Despite being a few months out from an injury, he didn’t hesitate to go off trail, and walk through boggy and overgrown habitats. We did find some Pink Lady’s Slipper in the very early stages of bloom. They were lovely, with their heads nodding into the leaves or tucked together for protection.
Pink Lady’s Slipper
We finally found one Pink Lady’s Slipper emerging from its protective sheath. The inflated pouch displayed the intricate veined pattern that is the most striking characteristic of the Pink Lady’s Slipper.
On Mother’s Day, my son Jesse went to Max Patch with me. It was a spectacular day, but there were three nights of frost behind us. The frost took a toll on the Pink Lady’s Slipper, with the blooms laid down upon the leaves.
Everyone has their preferences for wildflowers and orchids. I love the Showy Orchis for the beauty and color palette that defines each flower. I love Pink Lady’s Slipper for its unique inflated pouch, which has aspects of both male and female sexual reproductive organs. It resembles both the vulva and the testicle, a gorgeous rendering of human traits. Then there is the Yellow Lady’s Slipper.
Yellow Lady’s Slipper
We found these Yellow Lady’s Slipper close to the Chunky Gal trail in Nantahala National Forest. I had spotted some Catesby’s trillium, and was looking for more above me on the steep bank. The bright yellow of the Yellow Lady’s Slipper caught my eye, and I scrambled up the bank. There were about ten plants scattered over a twenty five feet area. SCORE!!!
The Yellow Lady’s Slipper, is a more elusive native orchid (at least for me), so that makes it an exciting find. The twisted petals of the Yellow Lady’s Slipper beckon one forward for a closer look, and the inflated pouch reminds me of a carnivorous plant, enticing its victims to their death. The striped and mottled petals stand as sentries on either side of the pouch. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/cypripedium/cypripedium_parviflorum.shtml
Their leaves are also highly distinguishing. Even prior to blooming, you can easily spot Yellow Lady’s Slipper due to the emerging, deeply veined leaves alternating along the stem.
Other beauties
The coolness of a rushing stream provided some relief on a warm day. Just being close was enough; had we been in the water, it would have been instant hypothermia.
Doll’s eyes attracts attention for its late summer berries. Then, the berries are startlingly white with a pupil-like black dot against red stems. But their spring white flowers with multiple stamens are even prettier, especially when highlighted against the patterned leaves.
Driving out of the wilderness area of Harmon Den, Jack spotted some red and purple flowers against the rocky bank. Wedged among the rocks were Fire Pinks and Purple Fringed Phacelia; we picked our way through the rocks to get a closer look.
This year, I haven’t seen as much Flame Azalea on the trails that I have been on, so seeing this beauty felt as though spring had shared its bounty once again.
Every week, new wildflowers are emerging, fungi are reproducing, and birds and insects are ensuring the survival of plants and trees. I hope that you are able to enjoy this time, as spring fades in preparation for early summer. Stay safe and healthy, and get out there as much as you can!
