Wild orchid in Oregon
 

I was out hiking in western Oregon earlier in the spring and came across these wild orchids. Does anyone know what species they are?

It's called the Fairy Slipper, Calypso bulbosa. There are two varieties of this exquisite flower that grow in N. America, var. americana which is much more widespread and is distinguished by a yellow beard on the lip. This is the variety that grows only here in the west, var. occidentalis, distinguished by the spotted lip and white beard.

Here's a blog entry that includes our finding it in the North Cascades: Orchids and Serendipity: Goat Mountain
Actually, we've found it in four different locations this spring.

Thanks! Your pics of other wild orchids are amazing! I didn't know we such a large variety of them here in the NW!

Forty-two different native orchids in the state of Washington! Don't know exactly how many, but a similar number in the Oregon. We have really enjoyed hunting them.

Great find! Isn't it exciting when you find wild orchids!

Fairy Slipper. Absolutely beautful. Glad I got to see one here as I never have in the wild. Carol

there is a nice little paperback book with pictures and descriptions of Oregons wild orchids. Don't remember the author but isc titled The Wild Orchids of Oregon I believe