Wild Orchids in Colorado and Utah

Corallorhiza maculata, Spotted Coral Root, orchid species flowers, leafless orchid, weird orchid, growing wild in southwest ColoradoCorallorhiza maculata, Spotted Coral Root, orchid species flowers, leafless orchid, weird orchid, growing wild in southwest ColoradoCorallorhiza maculata, Spotted Coral Root, orchid species flowers, leafless orchid, weird orchid, growing wild in southwest Colorado

For today’s summer solstice, enjoy these orchids happily growing wild in Colorado and Utah. The first row of photos features the Spotted Coralroot, an unusual leafless plant which only appears above ground when it blooms. Despite this peculiarity, its flowers are spectacular, as are its deep red stems. Below, the second row of pictures highlights a Stream Orchid. This tough species ranges from southwest Canada to northwest Mexico. As its common name suggests, it likes to live near water. The final photo shows a Painted Milkvetch plant. It’s not an orchid, but certainly has wonderfully colorful seedpods. Photos courtesy of Brenda Hogue.

Stream Orchid, Epipactis gigantea flower, orchid species flower, growing wild in southeast UtahStream Orchid, Epipactis gigantea flowers and buds, orchid species flowers, growing wild in southeast UtahColorful seedpods of Painted Milkvetch, Astragalus ceramicus, legume, mottled seedpods with red spots and patches, growing wild in southeast Utah

If you find orchids in the wild, never remove or damage them. Do not cut their flowers, and be careful not to trample them or nearby plants. Take away only memories and photos.

Check out these earlier posts about Coralroots, Stream Orchids, and other native species:

Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, Orchids in the Wild, Photos

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