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orchids of new england

Orchids of New England

The Orchid family (Orchidaceae) is one of the largest in the world, with plants on every continent except Antarctica. Orchids aren’t exclusive to lush forests—their remarkable diversity enables them to flourish in various habitats. Orchids can be found in swamps, on cliff faces, nestled in tree branches, and even in environments ranging from mature forests to urban lawns.

Unlike many orchid species, orchids of New England are exclusively terrestrial, emerging from the ground. They showcase a resilience and ability to thrive in our region’s temperate climate and varied landscapes. With their unique adaptations and features, these plants contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region, and add a distinctive natural elegance to the landscape.

Recent Rediscoveries

These species were once thought extinct in New England, until recently being rediscovered by botanists.


Crested Orange Bog Orchid
Platanthera cristata

In 2020, a Massachusetts state botanist made a rare discovery: the first sighting of a crested orange bog orchid in Massachusetts in nearly twenty years. This newly found population of the rare orchid is the only known of its kind in New England and the northernmost population documented in the United States. Characterized by their slender stems adorned with showy orange blooms, bog orchids grow in the moist acidic soils of bogs or swamps across the southeastern United States—from Texas to Florida and up the east coast to Massachusetts. 

Photo Credit/Source: Tara Rose Littlefield, iNaturalist

Small Whorled Pogonia
Isotria medeoloides

These plants were recently rediscovered in Vermont. The majority of known occurrences are in Maine and New Hampshire, where they thrive in immature forests. However, they tend to disappear as forests age and light decreases.

Photo Credit/Source: Rick Koval (rkluzco, iNaturalist)

Nearby Neighbors

These orchids have been observed in Franklin Park Zoo.

Broad-leaved Helleborine
Epipactis helleborine

A non-native orchid from Europe, this orchid has become widespread in the U.S. and is sometimes even considered an invasive weed.

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain
Goodyera pubescens

One of the most common orchids in North America, it's best to look for the snakeskin patterned leaves in spring and fall in gardens and forests near mature trees.

Photo Credit/Source: Yianni Laskaris, iNaturalist

Wildly Unique

These orchids possess unique characteristics and adaptations.

Autumn Coralroot
Corallorhiza odontorhiza

Rather than relying on photosynthesis, this orchid primarily obtains nutrients by parasitizing mycorrhizal fungi networks.

Photo Credit/Source: Jeremy Graves, iNaturalist

Pink Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium acaule

Found commonly in mature conifer forests, these orchids use their pouches to trap bees, covering them in pollen. The bees then carry the pollen to pollinate other plants.

Putty Root
Aplectrum hyemale

This plant earns its name from the sticky substance found in its roots, which has historically been used as a glue to mend pottery.

Photo Credit/Source: doug_mcgrady, iNaturalist

Rose Pogonia
Pogonia ophioglossoides

Found in moist meadows, swamps, and riversides, these plants are unusual due to their scent, which some compare to raspberries. Interestingly, they are the subject of a Robert Frost poem with the same name.

Admiring Orchids in their Natural Habitat

While an orchid’s beauty is always a treat to see, it’s important to admire these plants in their native habitat. Their specialized needs make orchids extremely difficult to grow in captivity, and many orchid species are threatened by human actions. Some orchids have unique relationships with specific fungal partners and special habitat needs that make them rare in the wild and near impossible to take home.

Likewise, picking orchid flowers can severely hinder local populations by preventing them from making seeds to grow future generations. Your simple act of observation plays a role in fostering the well-being of local populations, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these plants for years to come.

Join our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist to explore the team's findings and share your own wildlife observations!

Pictured here: Lesser purple fringed bog orchid

Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) Genera in New England

Amerorchis Gymnadenia
Aplectrum Isotria
Arethusa Liparis
Calopogon Malaxis
Calypso Neottia
Coeloglossum Platanthera
Corallorhiza Pogonia
Cypripedium Spiranthes
Epipactis Tipularia
Galearis Triphora
Goodyera