Epipactis helleborine - Orchid Board

Tindomul · #1 07-23-2008, 02:21 PM

An invasive orchid species in the US and Canada, native to Eurasia. Very common in the New York City parks, too bad its not native.

Sorry I couldn't get a good picture of the flowers though.

Mahon · #2 07-23-2008, 07:55 PM

Cool find!

Yeah, these can get pretty weedy! Where did you find these?

I just made a record for this invasive species for Lake County, IL (North Chicago) that is the latest since about 50 years ago. There were SOOOOO many on the Naval Base, it seemed as if they were in competition with the native Trillium species!

-Pat

Tindomul · #3 07-27-2008, 04:23 PM

In Queens County, NY. Specifically you can find them in abundance in Oakland Lake Park and Alley Pond environmental center, both part of Alley Pond Park. We just did a genera count in the entire Alley Pond Park and in 7 hours counted 252 distinct genera, inlcuding Trillium.

Ross · #4 07-27-2008, 04:41 PM

Funny thing is, it's not that common in all the range. For instance in Michigan it only has been identified in a few counties and is considered a protected species (as in "do not pick".) Michigan County Level Distribution for Epipactis helleborine (broadleaf helleborine) | USDA PLANTS

Tindomul · #5 07-27-2008, 04:57 PM

Why is this protected? This is an invasive from another part of the world and should not be here.

Ross · #6 07-27-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Why is this protected? This is an invasive from another part of the world and should not be here.

Technically correct. I have asked the botanist for the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan for a list of species considered "protected" yet non-native. What I do know for certain, is this species is not invasive in all areas of its present range. It strongly depends on disturbed soil, and some other conditions to spread invasively. We have a formally protected Wildflower/nature preserve with Federal protection (Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary) that has known occurances and it is not being eradicated, perhaps due to its status here. Other species are. I'll try to sort this out, because I have the same questions.

ronaldhanko · #7 07-28-2008, 12:19 AM

We just returned from a week's camping at PJ Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon County. Michigan and observed Epipactis helleborine growing in numerous locations in the park, all in disturbed soil (trails, campground, entrance and nature center) where it appears to be well established and spreading.