Early/yellow Coralroot Orchid

[MonikaC]

Corallorhiza trifida. I saw this while hiking with a friend yesterday, but didn't have my camera with me, so went back today with camera. These are kind of rare around here, but are circumpolar and the only variety found in Eurasia. It's nutrition comes from photosynthesis as well as through a symbiotic relationship with the neighboring plants (ectomycorhrizal fungi)

 

[AlanLichty]

The stem colors are quite amazing. Usually it's the blooms that catch our eyes but the blooms here are almost subtle compared to the stems. Nice find.