Poisonous or parasitic orchids?

[Gin]

Let's get Tindo a case of Pepto lolol

[Jerry Delaney]

I couldn't help but wonder if there are any parasitic or poisonous orchids out there.

It seems that every orchid I have is parasitic. All of them seem to live off of my bank account for things like potting mix, pots, fertilizer, etc!!

[greenbean]

Jerry's right!

But seriously, as Tindo already pointed out, there are a few parasitic orchids. Actually, the specific term for them is saprophytic. There are several species of Corallorhiza native to the Pacific Northwest. I love seeing them in the woods. They're some of my favorite plants. They seem like they belong on another world.

Cephelanthera austinae is also native to the Pacific Northwest, but is reportedly very rare. One of its common names is the phantom orchid. I plan to search for it this summer. I just found a trail I'm familiar with that is supposed to have them!