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Broad-leaved Helleborine

Epipactis helleborine

Photo by Dan Doucette
Published on Project Noah
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43.1361, -79.1112

Field Notes

Description:

First found in Canada in 1870. It was introduced from Europe, perhaps because the plant was thought to be a remedy for gout. Since then it has spread throughout Ontario. The speed at which it spreads suggests that the plant propagates more easily from seed than most orchids.

Habitat:

urban garden

Notes:

This orchid pops up in mulched areas and in many gardens. Most people assume it is just a weed, but it is actually a beautiful orchid if looked at closely. I have introduced it to a few people whose gardens I take care of, and they love it and leave it where ever it grows. I spotted this one in a hosta garden under a pine tree at the entrance to Oak Hall.

Reference Links:

Epipactis helleborine

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Leuba Ridgway
Lovely indeed ! It's amazing how people regard everything they don't actually "plant" as weeds. I would love to find something this pretty and interesting.
Dan Doucette
Thanks suz. Yeah you really have to look for these as many people dismiss them as common weeds and pull them out.
suzmonk
Nice series and info. The last photo was mildly surprising, because I thought the plant would be a little bit larger. It takes longer to look at small, inconspicuous things ... but it's worth it, good eye!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Wildlife of the Niagara Region
Mission
Wild Orchids
Mission
Ontario Wildlife
Mission
2013 Best Wildlife Photo

Tags

Photographed
PublishedNovember 16, 2013

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