Wild orchids of Sweden

[Thomas]

Just a few photos from our hike in the mountains.

The province of Härjedalen in central Sweden has an area of almost 12000 square kilometers. It extends from the Norwegian border eastwards to about 140km from the Bothnian Sea. The highest peak of the province is Mt.Helagsfjället (1796m) with the southernmost Swedish glacier. About 80% of the province is situated above 500m.

There are many botanically interesting areas for those interested in alpine plants. Districts rich in calcareous bedrock harbor as a rule a rich flora. I strongly recommend to visit Mt. Hamrafjället (1138m), Mittåkläppen (1212m), Torkilstöten (1049m), Skarvarna (1260m) and the rich fens of Sölendet, Norway.

All photos below are taken in these areas.

Mt. Hamrafjället, many orchid species can be found here:


Gymnadenia conopsea - This is a rare alba form I found on Mt. Skarven at around 1100m.


Gymnadenia conopsea - This is the normal color form. Mt. Skarven, 1000m.


Leuchorchis albida ssp. straminea - Mt. Hamrafjället 1040m.




Dactylorhiza lapponica - Mt. Hamrafjället, 1060m:


Listera ovata - Mt. Skarvarna, 900m.


Rain over Mt. Skarfjället (1594m) - The area in the foreground is very rich in alpine plants. Here we also found 9 species of orchids.


In total we found 19 species of orchids.

[gardenguysorchids]

Wow! They are really beautiful. I hope someday to see them in their natural habitat. Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and info. with us. Some of them remind me of hyacinths.

[walingwaling]

thanks for the tour thomas, quite successful with so many species and reassuring!

[pavel]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us, Thomas!

[catttan]

Love the spectacular mountain scenery and the beautiful orchids. Superb photos as usual.Thanks for posting.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

What a view! And thanks for sharing the native orchids of Sweden. I love them all, but I think my favorite is the Leuchorchis albida because of the amazing photo. So beautiful.

Cheers,
BD

[Tom-19951]

Wow! Outstanding photos!

[ischel1]

Very pretty in situ orchids. Thanks for sharing.

[Paph]

Amazing! Mountain scenery and orchids, and the pics are great!

[ang709]

Lovely photos! Thank you for sharing.