Native Terrestrial Orchid - Ohio

[clevetromba]

Ok, this is not currently blooming, but I just remembered taking this picture last summer. I had decided to stop mowing a section of my lawn in the back yard, and this plant came up I had never seen before. When it came up I had no idea what it was, but it sure looks like an orchid. Perhaps some of you from the Midwest US are familiar with it. Anyway, it's a pretty little thing, and I'm hoping it'll come back this year.

[Tom-19951]

It is Epipactis helleborine. This invasive alien species is from Europe and some part of Asia, so it is not a native species in U.S.

[clevetromba]

Aaaw, that kind of bursts my bubble. Here I thought my yard was turning into a native wildflower meadow all by itself.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Aaaw, that kind of bursts my bubble. Here I thought my yard was turning into a native wildflower meadow all by itself.

Don't be sad, Mark. It really is a cool bloom and it is growing in your yard!

Cheers,
BD

[delphiguy]

I agree with BD, its got beautiful blooms... and growing naturally at your yard.

[ang709]

I think it's awesome that you have orchids growing in your yard, even if they're not native. Last year when I had a chance to get out of the city, I went searching for these, as I'd seen another member's photo and wanted to see them in real life. I knew it was from Europe, but it was still an orchid, it was growing in the wild, and it was my first time seeing an Epipactis. I was very happy, and I would love it if I had them growing so close to my home as you do.

[clevetromba]

Tom, Thanks for your very quick positive ID. I was being facetious with my dramatic disappointment about the non-native invasive. I'm just happy to know what I have.

Mark