Cypripedium acaule in Cheestequake State Park, NJ

[Fairorchids]

Yes, that is the name of the park. I have known that there are Cypripediums in the park for years, but not where they could be found. On Mothers Day somebody in the know took me to the right area.

In a mixed forest on sandy soil, they grow primarily in the conifer stands, but only in the brighter areas where the trees are not standing quite as close together. To minimize the risk of poaching, the two larges colonies are fenced in. However, this year the plants are doing well, and there were many seedlings and a few plants in bloom outside the fences as well.

Due to camera problems I went back on Monday, and looking around I discovered a 3rd colony, which has not been fenced. Most of the plants there are younger, so there were not that many in bloom, but it is encouraging to see them spreading.