Native Orchid Species of North America

“Approximately two hundred and fifty native orchids grow in the United States, with roughly fifty percent native to Florida. Elsewhere many native orchid species can go unnoticed because unless they are viewed close-up, most tend to look little more than stick figures growing from the ground.”

This is what Green Nature.com had to say in its introduction to their orchid photos, which is divided between native and non-native species.

Calypso Orchid – The Calypso bulbosa, more commonly known as a calypso orchid, is native to the Northern Tier and Western United States. The only species in the Calypso genus found in the United States, a spring bloom may reveal dozens in one area. As a small flowering plant that grows among old growth trees, it does not transplant well for home or garden use.

Green Rein Orchid - The Green Rein Orchid or sparse-flowered Bog Orchid (Platanthera sparsiflora) grows in high altitude wetland areas of the Western United States. It's one of almost four dozen native Platanthera species, better known for the fringed orchids. A similar Plantanthera species shares territory with the Sparse-flowered Bog Orchid, but the long spur is the key to differentiation.

Hooded Lady's Tresses - (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) has the most widespread distribution of all the Spiranthes species. It can be found in meadows and bogs at both low and high altitudes in much of the Northern areas of the United States. The small, spiraled flowers along the top of the stem are often enough of a clue to recognize species in the Spiranthes genus, Lady's Tresses. They are a common group of orchids, found throughout North America, with the vast majority of the thirty plus species regionally situated.

Once you fall in love with orchids you’ll look forward to seeing them everywhere you go, even if some of the loveliest orchids can be found in your home.