Isotria

Isotria [Whorled Pogonia Orchids]

Fall is a beautiful time to see trees in all their color,but trees aren't the only living thing in the forest with wonderful fall color.Plants as well can show off for the last time of the year.The beautiful leaves of the wild orchid,Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata].Dauphin County,Pa.10-11-19.After this orchid flowers in May,it's leaves continue to grow,more than doubling in size.

Out of the two dozen Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata] that I found this year this was the only one to set a seed pod,which is about normal for me.Dauphin County,Pa.6-27-19.Amazingly pictured with last years plant to the right.

I have been fortunate over the years to have seen many Large Whorled Pogonia,but this specimen at 20 inches tall was the largest I ever encountered.A real giant with a huge flower.Dauphin County,Pa.5-16-19 [Isotria verticillata] .I was actually on my knees taking a picture of normal size pogonia,when something kept hitting on the side of my face,when finally I looked and out of the corner of my eye to see what it was- and there it was this giant-I never even noticed it till then.Nature sure can be full of surprises!

Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata].Dauphin County,Pa.5-15-19

What a surprise,went to check and see if the Large Whorled Pogonia have started to come and found six blooming!My favorite woodland orchid.[Isotria verticillata].Dauphin County,Pa,5-11-19