#galearis spectabilis

[freshtendril]

Showy Orchid, Galearis spectabilis

[cedar-glade]

Galearis spectabilis

Showy orchis, with it’s super smooth glaberous leaves, almost succulent looking from a far.

Red River Gorge is packed full of these, I got to see probably around 20 or so over a 10 mile jaunt. Still a treat, to see so many. This species is one of two in the genera in North America. 

It’s northern relative is very limited and honestly very uncommon in the states. The Bruce Peninsula is one place I know of that may actually have what I would consider a localize abundance. As far as showy goes, they seem to be extremely common along the blue ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains but are often abundant in rich mesic forests of any kind. Not truly an ericaceous species of orchid because of this, where as, pink lady slippers, often an orchid associated with these, are found in higher sandy pine rich regions with good ericaceous soil and tend to be scarce in any other habitat. 

G. rotundifolia

[spatheandspadix]

Some blue and purple season highlights: blue-eyed Mary, showy orchis, phlox, waterleaf. Not pictured: Jacob’s ladder, dwarf larkspur

[thebashfulbotanist]

Galearis spectabilis, the showy orchid, native to eastern North America. They prefer wet, shady areas and are popular with bumble bees. 

[geopsych]

Showy orchis and nodding trillium or whip-poor-will flower. The early wildflowers are done, but wonderful things are still blooming in the woods!

[nocountryforsanemen]

Showy Orchid Galearis spectabilis Status in Michigan: Rare.

[cedar-glade]

Two individual Cypripedium parviflorum, May 18, I didn’t end up taking to many shots as I was planning on visiting the large fully yellow var. pubescence blow line populations in Adams co. unfortunately that road was closed. The pinks on top of the hill at the massive population were also a day early when I visited, however, here are some other really cool classic spring orchids. 

Galearis spectabilis

Corallorhiza wisteriana

[cedar-glade]

Galearis spectabilis

The showy orchis can be as common as large whorled pogonia, crane fly, putty root, and the downy rattlesnake plantain in some areas of it’s range. Specifically rich woodlands with a large quantity of oak and hemlock seem to be the prefered habitat. In the appalachian mountains it is much easier to find these while in non mountainous or heavily glaciated states it becomes clear that there is some scarceness involved within’ their range. Despite finding these in boone in area’s with high oak density, these areas seem to have a high moisture content and mesic environment that accompanies them. You can also find these in ravine systems and in stream groves commonly. This photo is from an upland chestnut oak- eastern hemlock forest in Ohio.