If you were to drive North West on Rt 380 towards Scranton, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at one of the embankments - right now in that spot are several thousand Spiranthes cernua blooming their heart out. And by afternoon and into evening the whole slope smells of Anise!
If you don't know the exact location, this is easily missed: The spikes are somewhat hidden between tall grasses which are now turning somewhat brownish.
I took these pictures on Friday. At first you see just regular vegetation, then you get out of the car and start looking closer....
The density of the spikes is staggering!


Since this thread can be read by anyone I obscured the exit number in my picture.....one wants to enjoy these native Orchids undisturbed. But, you can drop me a pm, if you drive in that direction.

Just beautiful, Ursula. Thanks.

Jim

Isn't it amazing?

Sometimes I miss my old home state!

If you told someone (not an orchid-o-phile) that those were all orchids they'd probably say you were crazy. Just fantastic, Ursula.

It just shows to you what you might find if you are looking! We thought some of those embankments might have the right conditions to grow Spiranthes cernua ( similar to the conditions at our place): lots of water, excellent drainage and not too much competition from other plants. We were thrilled to spot this hill some years ago - driving carefully and looking....and we now check every year on them.
We even see Spiranthes coming up at the edge of the dirt road leading to our place.

You're so right, Ursula. We miss so much as we speed by in our cars.

Speaking of wildlings, the lady who brought me that Monk's orchid (Oeceoclades maculata) that you ID'd last week showed up at the Extension office today again with a whole bunch more of them for me! What a nice thing. I gave away two or 3 of them, (with appropriate info) and brought 6 more home.

But . . . the article on natives and naturalized species says it is a class 2 invasive species, although the fellow writing the article disagrees with the classification. I'm in two minds about whether I can plant them out in my garden or not. What does my expert panel think??

Make a special place for them where you can watch and control them. I also find that some of my invasive plants are fine for 5 years and then after I think I know them, they explode! Beware. Beware.

Good thought, Kathy. I have a bed in the shade of an oak out by the driveway. Nothing else around it but gravel driveway and 'mow what grows' lawn so if the little orchids start wandering out of bounds I'll see them right away. I also think if I'm diligent about removing seed heads, that might prevent unwarranted spreading, too. I think they'd make a really nice low feature out there where nothing else does well.

Cool! I was worried you might have no idea where to isolate them. I'd give them 5 years to show their spunk and then if they are safe, let them join their garden buddies.

I'm sending a start to Jim, too. He'll grow it in his OC so as long as he doesn't let any seeds fly around he'll have no problems.