This is a Non-native wild orchid in Maine.
I first found a patch of these about 15 years ago growing in the forested (dappled sunlight) part of my property.
At that time there was very limited information on the web but I was told it was not native to Maine and in my years of roaming the forests and fields of Maine I had never seen one before.
It reaches a height of about 18". This one is about 14" tall. They grow singly and are not found close together. Closest I've found are about 2 feet apart but are usually scattered under shrubs, trees, etc. seeming to prefer a shaded location.
They have a very deep root, more than a spades depth and do not transplant. I've sown the seed all over my 2 acre lot and I now find them almost anywhere.
A note on pictures:
Pictures 1 through 4 are meant to show growth habit, leaf placement, etc. The leaves are soft and have ridges running the length of them.
Picture 5 is a macro image. The flower is approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. I cannot detect any scent.
The flowers open sequentially from bottom to top, with the bottom blossoms fertilized and passed by the time the top blossom opens.
The blossoms face/hang downward much like a cymbidium and have a cymbidium shape.
Have fun, I'll be watching the posts for an ID. If I've left something out that would help you indentify, let me know.
Al
A little something for the experts
Living in a small rural town with not much to do in the summer time a friend and I explored every lake, pond, stream, field, and forest and used to document our finds. Funny thing is I just recently made contact with that old friend after 46 years. We've had a blast going down memory lane.
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