Spectacular Spring Orchids

As promised, I'm here to deliver on some of the botanical treats I went searching for this past weekend during my foray into the famed and ever-mentioned Adams and Scioto counties in southern Ohio.  I've decided to dedicate this post purely to my cherished and timeless orchids I spend so much time admiring and photographing.  I've seen all the featured species on this post plenty of times but there's just something about them that draws me back in with each reawakened spring.  The anticipation and rush never wanes as I glance upon them for the first time, like old friends I only get to spend time with a handful of times a year.

Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens)

If I've seen the large yellow lady's slippers (Cypripedium pubescens) once, I've seen them dozens and dozens of times but that has done nothing to dull the excitement of discovery.  Their golden glow set against the shadowed greenery of its newly lush forest habitat is a sight for sore eyes after a long winter.

Trio of large yellow lady's slippers

An uncommon double-bloomed plant on the R

While not state-listed and occasionally locally common in select areas of the state, large yellow lady's slippers' numbers have dwindled in recent decades as poachers and logging activities negatively affect this slow-growing and fickle plant.  It can take upwards of a decade for these and many other orchids to reach flowering maturity and some are highly sensitive to even moderate levels of disturbance.

Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis)

Showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis) was the very first wild orchid I ever saw in flower and from that moment on it cemented itself as one of my favorites for carrying that distinction.  I tend to see this species reach its best numbers in mature mixed mesophytic woods on mesic N-NE-E facing slopes where yellow buckeye, beech, sugar maple, and tuliptree are common associates.  While I love to enjoy these orchids with my eyes only, the same cannot be said for white-tailed deer.  Showy orchis is like candy to them and observing large, impressive specimens is always a special find due to high levels of predation.

Pink Lady's Slippers (Cypripedium acaule) 

Pink lady's slippers (Cypripedium acaule) are the black sheep of Ohio's indigenous lady's slipper orchids in both habit and habitat.  All other Ohio Cypripediums have leaves occurring on their flowering stems, however pinks have a leafless scape that arises from an equally unique pair of basal leaves.  In terms of habitat preference, pinks utilize dry upland oak/pine/hemlock forests with an acidic substrate while our other species all have an affinity and/or requirement for more moist, basic-calcareous soils.

Pair of pink lady's slippers in a Virginia pine stand

Rare white-flowered form of C. acaule

The venation pattern on the front of the "slipper" or "moccasin" acts as a visual nectar guide for passing bumblebees to notice and buzz over to for an inspection.  A sweet smell hints at the promise of a reward inside but the bumblebee only finds an empty, air-filled pouch it must now back out of and hopefully pick up some granular pollen in the process.  With any luck the bumblebee will visit another flower in a vain attempt at a meal and cross-pollination/fertilization will occur.  As with many other orchids and species of wildflowers, pink lady's slippers are known to occur in rare white-colored forms as pictured above.

Spring Coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana)

Perhaps the least visually appealing of the early orchids, the spring coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana) is nonetheless charming in its own right.  If you take the time to carefully inspect each individual flower's lip you'll find a snow-white surface splotched with magenta polka dots in quite the artistic display.  This species is saprophytic and relies entirely on its relationship with mycorrhiza fungi in the soil for sustenance and cannot photosynthesize due to its complete lack of chloroplasts (hence why there's no green to it at all).

Small White Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium candidum) 

If there's any species of spring blooming orchid I look forward to the most and refuse to miss out on, it's the state-endangered and very rare small white lady's slippers (Cypripedium candidum).  These tiny wonders are only known to occur in a handful of high-quality prairie remnants in the extreme north and south parts of our state.  These particular plants are from a secluded dolomite limestone barrens in the depths of Adams county.

Small white lady's slippers with your narrators hand for scale

The word 'small' is in their common name for a reason as this lady's slippers' slipper is only about the size of the end of your thumb.  Their waxy white labellums are ringed with magenta dots and accompanied by yellowish-green dorsal and lateral sepals.  A soft but sweet fragrance is emitted from the bloom as well and gives the nose as much a reason to love them as the eyes.

Small White Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium candidum) 

Their miniscule stature takes by breath away every time I see them even though I know what to expect.  Each is so delicately designed and a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.  I could see these beauties for the next 50 years consecutively and I'd love them that much more on visit number 51.

Large Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata)

Large Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata)

Large whorled pogonias (Isotria verticillata) almost seem to be a floral ode to a mythical beast long lost to the past.  It appears like a dragon, ready to breathe fire and devour any prey foolish enough to come too close.  This orchid prefers more or less the same habitat conditions as the aforementioned pink lady's slippers and often times will even occur together in their acidic upland oak/pine woods.  It's common to see a population of dozens of sterile plants with (if you're lucky) one or a few blooming individuals mixed in.

Kentucky Lady's Slippers (Cypripedium kentuckiense) beginning to bud up

To end my day of plentiful orchids in peak bloom, I decided to cross the mighty Ohio River and check on a site for the rare Kentucky lady's slippers (Cypripedium kentuckiense) I've photographed and shared on this blog before. The typical eight plants were present and just beginning to bud up with one starting to get some color and open slightly.  Another week or so and they should be in peak shape and worth another visit.

Flora-Quest Weekend 2013 Rewind

Another Flora-Quest weekend has come and gone and what an exciting weekend it was!  Shawnee state forest and the nearby Edge of Appalchia preserve system played host to well over 100 people with interests ranging from wildflowers and birds to moths and amphibians in this seventh installment of the popular spring event.  It was a fantastic chance to get out into the forests for the best of southern Ohio's spring wildflower shows and soak in its beauty with others who share in my passion for the outdoors.  Even better is the camaraderie and catching up with old friends I haven't seen in some time and the opportunity to finally meet others in person for the first time.  It's just an overall incredible atmosphere your blogger is quite lucky and fortunate to be a part of.

Scenic look out across the rolling hills of Shawnee state forest 

This was my second year in a row being a trip co-leader and I couldn't have asked for a better partner in the phenomenal and well-known nature photographer, Ian Adams.  I had never met Ian before but after just one day out in the field with him, I think I can speak for the both of us that a friendship was quickly kindled.  His eye for capturing nature with the camera lens is second to none and he's quite the naturalist as well with a great depth of knowledge and understanding about our natural world.

Our group was largely made up of folks who wanted to center on photography and soak up the tips, techniques, and tricks Ian (and myself to a smaller degree) had to share.  With being a trip leader, I largely left my own camera in its case and instead wanted to focus on educating and leading my group efficiently and without the distraction.  I did however use my iPhone to snap a number of pictures of what we saw and am quite pleased with the way most of them came out.  As a result just about all the photos used in this post were taken with my phone; which goes to explain why my hands and/or fingers are in some of the shots.  The iPhone can have a hard time focusing on smaller subjects in the foreground and using your hand as a backboard can help make the sensor's focusing job that much easier.  That all being said let's jump into some of the floral highlights of Flora-Quest weekend 2013!

Flowering dogwood along a flowing stream in Shawnee state forest

First thing worth saying is what a difference a year can make.  This time last year had the forest and plants looking like late May/early June and the trees completely leafed out; which was certainly not the case this time around.  Things were all just about right on time with many of the Flora-Quest classics all present and in full bloom.  The snow white blossoms of the flowering dogwood and wild plums along with the vibrant pinkish-reds of the red bud carpeted the forest under story in their typical stunning fashion.

Dwarf crested irises (Iris cristata) in full bloom along Shawnee's roadsides

Instantly noticeable all along the forested roads of Shawnee were the regal purple carpets of dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata) in full bloom.  The underground rhizomes do their jobs well and quickly spread out to give the forest a seemingly endless supply of the short-lived flowers, perfectly timed up with our arrival.

Dwarf crested irises (Iris cristata)

Spectacular double-flowered iris

Upon closer inspection of their delicate flowers, the dwarf crested iris can truly be held among the floral elites of spring.  The soft shade of lavender they exhibit is contrasted stunningly by their petals honey yellow markings.  Our group was fortuitous enough to come across a spectacular double-flowered form that was most likely the result of some genes going a bit haywire.

Albino dwarf crested irises

Perhaps less rare but nigh on equally pleasing were some albino forms of dwarf crested iris.  Their shades of purple had been traded in for the purest of white with only the golden markings left behind to add any accentuation.

Large yellow lady's slippers (Cypripedium pubescens)

It's nothing revolutionary in admitting the promise of wild orchids to be one of the main draws to each annual Flora-Quest event.  This year found them waking up a bit late and more slowly than in years past but still putting on as magnificent a show as ever.  Large yellow lady's slippers (Cypripedium pubescens) never fail to impress and get a group's camera shutters clicking in unison.

Spotted mandarin (Prosartes maculata)

Pawpaw flowers (Asimina triloba)

One rarity that was completely absent from last year's spectacle was the evanescent blooms of the spotted mandarin (Prosartes maculata).  Their creamy white petals are feverishly spotted with tiny purple speckles much like if it was suffering from a case of the flower chickenpox.  On the opposite end of the scarcity spectrum, the malodorous pawpaw (Asimina triloba) was putting on its own show with their charming matte scarlet blooms.

Luna moth (Actias luna)

It wasn't all wildflowers for our group when we stumbled across a feeble luna moth while out and about.  Ian hypothesized its lackadaisical attitude and out-in-the-open location was foretelling that its job of mating had been completed and its life cycle come to an inevitable close.

Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Another invertebrate critter we encountered while in Shawnee was hardly as welcome and grandiose as the luna moth and much more sinister.  The small speck climbing up your blogger's finger is the infamous black-legged tick, which also goes by the name of deer tick.  Of the three species of tick that call Ohio home (deer, dog, and lone star) only the deer tick can carry Lyme's disease; so naturally they seem to get the most attention.  Its smaller size and orange-colored back are helpful ID characteristics.  It's becoming much more prevalent in the southern/southeastern/eastern part of the state so be on the lookout for it!

Early pink azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum)

An instant classic and inducer of many "oohs" and "ahhs" is one of my all-time favorite woody plants: the early pink azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum).  A completely hidden and inconspicuous plant any other time of the year, early May is this heath family member's time to shine!  If you think its looks are good, definitely take the time to give it a whiff.  Its intoxicating aroma will impress your nose as much as its perfect pink blossoms please your eyes!

Dry hillside full of vernal iris

Vernal iris (Iris verna)

In addition to the aforementioned dwarf crested iris, Shawnee is also home to the state-threatened and absolutely breathtaking vernal iris (Iris verna).  Few other wildflowers can eclipse the electric blue/purple hues and royal demeanor of its blooms.  Most iris species are associated with wet-moist soiled situations but the vernal iris is a high and dry plant that prefers the xeric, sun-drenched ridge tops and rocky outcrops of extreme southern Ohio.

Bird's foot violet (Viola pedata)

It just wouldn't be spring in Shawnee without the annual display of our state's most dazzling of violet species: the bird's foot violet (Viola pedata).  Their large, showy flowers stick out like a sore thumb against the barren ridges and dirt banks.  The ones pictured are of the bi-colored form and seem to outnumber the typically more traditional light lavender monochrome plants.

Black-edged sedge (Carex nigromarginata)

I wouldn't be a real botanist if I didn't take the time to share with my group one of my favorite sedge species now would I?  I may have had a few odd looks and some scratching their heads as I gushed over the beauty and my love for the black-edged sedge (Carex nigromarginata), but they did agree it was a rather handsome little plant.

Large, leafing out tuliptree

Showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis)

While orchids like the showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis) showed off their glamour on the ground below, high in the tree tops our group was spoiled with a diverse array of fantastic birds.  Scarlet tanager, wood thrush, worm-eating warbler, cerulean warbler, hooded warbler, ovenbird, northern parula, American redstart, and whippoorwill is just a small sampling of the feathered friends we encountered.  Our group was even so lucky as to come across a gorgeous, healthy-looking coyote deep in Shawnee during Sunday morning's outing.  It quickly disappeared into the trees but those few fleeting seconds were special indeed.

Whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata) 

One of the most fun plants last year's event missed out on was thankfully just coming into its prime this time around.  I was forced to show the swelling seed pods of the whorled pogonia orchid (Isotria verticillata) to my group last season but I was much more successful this weekend!  This infrequent orchid prefers the dry, acidic upland soils of oak/pine woods; often in association with mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and other members of the Ericaceae family.

Whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata) 

The whorled pogonia looks like a mythical beast out of the folklore of Greece or Rome with its spreading sepals and gaping "mouth"; waiting to consume its next unassuming victim.  It may not have the same following and fan club as the next orchid species but it has always been one of my favorites for its unique and chimerical appearance.

Pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule)

Growing in close proximity to the whorled pogonia and sharing in its love for the dry, acidic mixed oak forest was some impressive clumps and patches of the pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule).  I've seen this particular orchid dozens of times before in years past but it just never gets old getting reacquainted with their gorgeous faces each and every spring.  There's just something about them I find irresistible and I think my group easily shared in that excitement.

Black huckleberry (Gaylussica baccata)

Hillside blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)

Two associates of the acidic oak woodlands happened to be in full bloom this past weekend and both end up producing a delicious fruit I can never get enough of.  On the left is the red bell-shaped flowers of the black huckleberry (Gaylussica baccata) with is cousin hillside blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum) flowering right alongside it. Both are members of the heath family (Ericaceae) and very common in the mountain laurel and azalea thickets of Shawnee state forest.

There's so much more I could share and wildflower pictures worth posting but if I don't stop now, I don't know that I ever could or would!  Flora-Quest proved to be once again an incredibly well put together and organized event that I think I can safely say everyone in attendance absolutely loved.  It's a shame to see it come to a close so soon but there's always next year to look forward to.  I hope to be an integral part of it once again and be leading some field trips but we'll see what possibilities it brings.  Next up on the docket is Mothapalooza June 14-16, being held right here in Shawnee state forest and on the Edge as well.  Hope to see some of you there!

Flora-Quest 2012: Part II

Better late than never but I am back to share the second half of Flora-Quest 2012!  Clearly I wanted to get this post out and published right after the first one but sometimes life has a way of keeping you busy elsewhere and preventing some things from happening on time.  Rest assured I haven't forgotten and am still plenty excited to share the fascinating flora that Sunday bestowed upon my group's hungry eyes.

Sunday dawned bright and sunny with the promise of a great day back on the forest roads of Shawnee state forest to search out some of the gorgeous and intriguing plants blooming throughout.  As mentioned before the early spring caused some interesting changes in the usual look of the flora at this stage in the year but I was still able to secure some wildflowers and spots that were sure to wow everyone.  I'm hard pressed to have such an attentive audience this fired up about plants in my normal day to day life.  It's beer, sports and women with the guys and not that there is anything wrong with those subjects but I can't always keep my love for the botanical world bottled up and unsung.

For Sunday's excursions out into Shawnee you were welcome to join any of the leader's vans and did not necessarily have to stick with your original group from the day before.  I was very happy to see more or less my entire group climb into my van, plus a couple extras who were, like me, pretty hot for the promise of the wild orchids we were likely to see.  I think the following photographs will be quick to show just how awesome a day out in the field we had.

Albino Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule forma albiflora)

Probably my favorite stop and wildflower seen during our outing was the long-awaited and sought after albino pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule forma albiflora).  I have had the pleasure of seeing thousands of pink ladies in my botanical wanderings but the rare and elusive all-white albino form had always eluded me; well until this weekend!  If this particular plant could have known any better it would have felt like a rock star having so many people flock around it with camera shutters clicking and flashes going off left and right.  It was well deserved if you ask me!

Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)

Scattered throughout the same area as the lone albino pink lady were dozens of others in their traditionally pink garb.  These Cypripediums are also called moccasin flowers by some for their bilateral labellums (pouch) appearing much like that of a moccasin or slipper (hence the other common name for this genus).

Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens)

Just a stone's throw away from the pink ladies flowering under the oaks and pines were a few straggling large yellow lady's slippers (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens) along the gravel road.  Getting to see two of Ohio's lady's slippers almost side by side is one of the many reasons Shawnee is an incredible place during the growing season.  Some sad news does go along with these wondrous plants I'm afraid to say.  What now only numbers a few scattered plants, this specific spot once supported upwards of 40-50 flowering plants of the yellow ladies before meeting their fates not long ago at the hands of a careless road grater.  I understand and appreciate the maintenance needed to keep the roads in drivable conditions in Shawnee but practicing some foresight and carefulness is crucial in keeping some of the state forest's key residents intact.  Decades of careful growth and existence snuffed out in an instant under a ton of welded metal and steel.  With any luck these magnificent plant's underground rhizomes survived and will bounce back in the years to come.

American Columbo (Frasera caroliniensis)

For many this next plant amazes and astonishes at first sight by its height and overall size.  Some may even deem it to be an introduced species from the tropics, hardly believing that something so large and unique could even be native to Ohio's soils.  Rest assured the American columbo (Frasera caroliniensis) belongs here and is a proud member of our flora.  While I wanted the photograph above to focus on the enchanting flowers it doesn't go very far in showing the true nature of this beast.  American columbo is a monocarpic species, which means it matures until it flowers once, sets to seed and dies.  This plant can spend up to 30 years (although typically much, much less) maturing as a large rosette of basal leaves on the forest floor before suddenly shooting for the heavens as an elongated stem with up to 100 flowers branched in whorls up the main stem.  This skyscraper of a plant can reach heights over seven feet tall, which you can imagine is quite the sight when in full bloom with its greenish-white perfect flowers.

Fairy Wand ♂ (Chamaelirium luteum)

One of those interesting species not normally seen during Flora-Quest was this unparalleled member of the lily family (Liliaceae), fairy wand (Chamaelirium luteum).  Also known as devil's bit, this species is diecious, meaning it has both separate male and female plants.  The one's pictured above are both male staminate flowers and almost always greatly outnumber the females in any given population.  You aren't likely to find any other Chamaelirium species elsewhere as this is the sole member of its monotypic genus.

Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

As luck would sometimes have it, we stumbled onto a small population of the stunningly scarlet red flowers of the native trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) vine along a select stretch of Shawnee.  While the invasive and exotic honeysuckle species of Asian decent get all the attention for all the wrong reasons it's nice and rewarding to see our native species still clinging to existence and showing off their beauty.

Early Stoneroot (Collinsonia verticillata)

Of all the flowering plants unusually ahead of schedule during this year's event, this one above was hands down my favorite of all.  The early stoneroot (Collinsonia verticillata) or otherwise known as whorled horsebalm is an endangered species in Ohio with only a few scattered locations in Shawnee state forest and that's it.  If you take the time to take a gander at a distribution map for this curious species it becomes instantly clear it has a strange and scattered range throughout the southern Appalachians, where it's not common or frequent anywhere.  Due to its strange distribution coupled with scattered and rare occurrences it was once under consideration for federal listing as a rare species.

Early Stoneroot (Collinsonia verticillata)

Taking a closer look at the unusual inflorescence of the early stoneroot it's not too hard to tell it is closely related to the much more common Yellow Horsebalm (C. canadensis).  Despite being quite similar they are easy to tell apart in several key ways.  The whorled horsebalm blooms in the late spring, has light pink to purple colored flowers that bloom along an unbranched stem while the common horsebalm blooms later in the summer and fall, has lemon-yellow flowers and can have a multi-branched inflorescence. 

Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata)

Where these is victory there can also be defeat, which unfortunately is the category one would have to place this crowd-favorite orchid species in.  Normally just coming into bloom and rewarding Flora-Quest attendees with it's unique and charming dragon-mouthed flowers, the whorled pogonias (Isotria verticillata) instead greeted their seekers with maturing seed pods.

Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata)

This is what these very same plants looked like just a few short weeks earlier in full, glorious bloom.  Their long, dark-colored sepals spreading out from the 'mouth', which appears ready to devour any pollinator that dares enter its space.  You can't always see it all, even at special events like Flora-Quest.  Sometimes you have to leave people wanting more and ready to come back the next year to catch what they missed this time around.

Small White Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium candidum)

I will leave you with this last photograph of the incredibly rare and endangered small white lady's slipper (Cypripedium candidum).  Only a lucky few got the chance to see this striking orchid but those that did walked away seeing what in my eyes is one of Ohio's most incredible plants.  The small white slipper is hardly bigger than the end of your pinkie finger and produces an intoxicating aroma on warm days that is an instant reward to anyone willing to take a whiff.

It was hard to tell the group to board the van and head back to the lodge to conclude another exciting Flora-Quest weekend but all good things must come to an end.  I think I can speak for my entire group that a great time was had by all and I was honored to have shared my experiences, excitement and Shawnee's secrets with each and every one of them.  I'm already looking forward to next year's installment in 2013!  When the dates are set be sure to check it out and sign up for an unforgettable weekend in extreme southern Ohio!

The Best of Flora-Quest 2011

As promised I'm here to deliver to you, my faithful readers some botanical eye candy from the very fun and exciting Flora-Quest.  I know I'm over a week late but there's just never enough free time in my life between school, botanizing out in the field and doing this blog.  However I was able to squeeze in some time to sit down and put this post together for your enjoyment!  So without further postponement here are a few wildflowers close to my heart seen during this fantastic botanical excursion.  Does anyone like Orchids? :)

Iris verna

Iris verna

I think it's only appropriate I start off the beauty contest with Flora-Quest's official 2011 plant mascot, the Dwarf Iris (Iris verna).  I snapped these photographs just as the morning's first rays of sunlight washed over the dew covered plants.  This particular species of Iris is threatened in Ohio; only being found in the three southernmost counties of Adams, Lawrence and Scioto.

Iris verna

Iris verna

Dwarf Iris is quite the contrast from its other brethren when you consider its habitat requirements.  Most species of Iris are most commonly found growing alongside the banks and low terraces of streams and ponds but Iris verna occurs in the dry, acidic soils of Oak woodlands and sun-baked, open ridgetops.  There's just something mesmerizing about this species and its remarkable colors/patterns, I just couldn't take my eyes off it.

Iris cristata

Iris cristata

This is another woodland Iris native to our state, the Crested Dwarf Iris (Iris cristata).  Much more frequent than its aforementioned cousin, you can find it growing in forested stream valleys and ravine embankments throughout southern Ohio.  Iris cristata is a very short bloomer, its gorgeous and delicate flowers rarely lasting for more than a few days.  So whenever you come across a patch of these alongside a babbling brook in the dappled sunlight, take the time to admire their short-lived beauty.

Cypripedium acaule

Cypripedium acaule

Ah, it's orchid season once again in the hills of southern Ohio and not a moment too soon!  This very wet spring has caused some amazing displays of our native woodland orchids so you won't find me complaining too much about all the precipitation.  First up and an instant show-stopper was the Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule) coming up en masse in a Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana) stand.

Cypripedium acaule

Cypripedium acaule

Also known as Moccasin Flower, the labellum or 'slipper' of this species of Cypripedium is quite different from the other four species found within our state lines.  It almost looks as if someone decided to discard their big wad of chewing gum on the end of a green stem.  This particular orchid prefers Ohio's dry, acidic upland conifer and Oak forests but is also found in sphagnum bogs as well.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

 

Another Lady's-slipper that blooms around this time is the Large Yellow Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens).  You wouldn't think that roadsides would make for a prime place to observe and photograph this charming plant but a secluded, dirt road inside the depths of Shawnee Forest provided this stunning clump shown above.  A thorough hike through southern and southeastern Ohio's rich forested hollows could reward you some of these orchids in late April and May.  The other variation of this species, the Small Yellow Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum) is critically endangered in Ohio and is down to just a handful of plants.  I'll be bringing you this rare, life species in the next week or so when I make the trek to its secretive haunt!

Prosartes maculata

Prosartes maculata

 

While not an orchid, this species is just as glamorous and equally as rare.  This is Nodding Mandarin (Prosartes maculata), a life plant for me that has escaped my camera lens the past couple years due to its very short blooming time.  The wait was certainly worth it as this is one of the most striking and beautiful wildflowers spring has to offer.  It’s six, snow white petals are delicately dotted with purple specks and surround the long, thread-like filaments each adorned with a large pale gold anther.  How could you not love this flower?

Isotria verticillata

Isotria verticillata

 

Another very finicky and fickle orchid on my life list was the Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata).  After some searching on my hands and knees in an Oak woodland, carefully looking between the Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) bushes and Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) I spotted one in bloom, and then another, and another!  In the end over 20 plants were showing off their very unique flowers that look like some ancient mythical creature of Greek legend.  Making the chase even more challenging was the abundance of Indian Cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana) growing in the same area.  Both are strikingly similar in their respective vegetative forms of tall, straight stems topped with a whorl of leaves.  A lot like mushroom hunting, once I saw one I. verticillata and got the eye for it the rest quickly came out of the woodwork.

Bignonia capreolata

Bignonia capreolata

Another rare species high on my 'hit list' this spring was the captivating Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata).  Much more common to the southern states, it barely makes it north across the Ohio River and only occurs in a handful of river counties.  This particular population seemed to be thriving on its south-facing rock cliff along the Ohio River.  You might notice some familiarity with the flowers of the Crossvine.  The common and sometimes weedy Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) is a closely related species, both occurring in the Bignoniaceae family.  Maybe it's because it's a new face and friend to me but I much prefer the Crossvine's flowers.  The striking red corollas fringed with a gold-yellow colored lip really create quite the visual experience.

Galearis spectabilis

Galearis spectabilis

To wrap up this picturesque posting about some of my favorite species observed during Flora-Quest weekend 2011 is the quaint and relatively common Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis).  Of all the orchids taking advantage of this wet season its the Showy Orchis that seems to be ahead of the rest.  I've never seen so many in bloom in my favorite haunts around Athens County, which is a very welcome sight to see!  Its Latin genus name of Galearis translates to "helmet-like", referring to the purplish-pink hood over the orchids male/female fused column, while the scientific epithet means "showy or spectacular" which this flower most certainly is.  Sometimes it really is all in the name!

I apologize again for the time lapse in-between the event and this post but better late than never!  I hope you enjoyed!  I have quite a few fun and visually stimulating topics planned for the future so continue to tune in!