Since mid-May, I have been watching for the appearance of the mountain lady’s slipper. I had already posted images of two earlier local wild orchids: fairy slippers, and striped coralroots. But, the mountain lady’s slipper had yet to appear. Today we saw five of them along a trail in Kokanee Creek Park. Now, that was nice enough, but behind them in the woods was a freshly blooming spotted coralroot, something I had last seen a number of years ago.
One of five mountain lady’s slippers seen beside a trail.
The flowers of the spotted coralroot grow as a raceme: multiple flowers sprouting from a single stalk. The flowers of a raceme start low on the stalk and gradually spread upwards. This one had just begun, so flowers did not yet cover the whole stalk. Maybe a more impressive image is yet to come.
Love your photos once again Alistair!
They are beautiful!
Thanks for the explanation along with the photos!
The striped coralroot grows on the farthest corner of our grove, next to the gazebo, where it’s very shady. I’d been watching for it to emerge again this year, and marked it so our yard guy – who’s very conscientious – wouldn’t weed-eat it when he got to that area. He watches for it every year too. Nevertheless, it turned out that a mistake happened, and the head was removed. Not only that but hidden by the weeds was another smaller one, coming up by last year’s stalk. The guy was devastated. I can only hope they will continue to grow – since you called them a plant – in spite of not being able to flower, and we’ll all try to do better next year. (He says from now on he’ll get on his knees and hand clip that area! )
What remarkable closeups…haven’t see either this year…yet!
So pleased to find information on your blog which has helped me identify coralroot coming up on my property in Harrop for the very first time. Exquisite photos; I’ve found this plant difficult to capture. Thank you.