While reviewing some photo files today I discovered that I had forgotten to do anything with some photos of one of my favorite flowers that I had taken back in May on a hike into the Cherry Peak roadless area in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains here in western Montana. In the hope that someone may enjoy seeing them, I uploaded them to Flickr and am posting them here now.
Calypso Orchid, Fairy Slipper, Calypso bulbosa
According to USDA Plants, Calypso bulbosa is “Endangered” in New Hampshire and New York and “Threatened” in Michigan, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Speechless…
Comment by Tabbie — July 5, 2008 @ 1:09 am
Montucky,
Those are so elegant and fragile ! Breathtaking!
Comment by Cedar — July 5, 2008 @ 5:47 am
Tabbie,
I know. How did they come to be like that?
Comment by montucky — July 5, 2008 @ 10:05 am
Cedar,
These were easier to discover than most because they grew in groups and are excellent representatives of the species, but it took a long time before I even saw the first one.
Comment by montucky — July 5, 2008 @ 10:07 am
very nice.
I got some photos posted on placestogo
Comment by silken — July 5, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
Orchids are absolutely lovely flowers. Super expensive and edible too.
Comment by scienceguy288 — July 5, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
silken,
I just visited Places to Go. That’s a neat place and your photos showed it well!
Comment by montucky — July 5, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Scienceguy,
These little ones are indeed edible, but I surely hope everyone would consider that an absolute last resort! I know the old Indians had uses for them, but were wise enough to still preserve the species.
Comment by montucky — July 5, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
thanks!
Comment by silken — July 5, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
those are real beauties. I can never truly grasp nature’s endless variety. boggling.
Comment by Bo — July 8, 2008 @ 7:25 am
I know. The variety and the intricacy! I wonder why.
Comment by montucky — July 8, 2008 @ 8:23 am
Incredible Terry, they are so amazing, and your images really convey their beauty well !!
Comment by Bernie Kasper — July 10, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
I agree they’re amazing little flowers. I couldn’t believe it when I first saw them!
Comment by montucky — July 10, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
Your work is really beautiful. I could spend hours here this morning…. if only I didn’t have “life” to attend to. I look forward to returning.
Comment by Diane - Daily Walks — August 8, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Thank you, Diane, for the visit and the kind words! My photos aren’t really polished, but then, neither is the wild world from where they come.
Comment by montucky — August 8, 2008 @ 3:41 pm