Epipactis gigantea

Epipactis gigantea is found from SW. Canada to N. Mexico, including Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, from near sea level along the coast to about 2,440 meters (8,000 feet). They are found in areas where there is a constant supply of water, such as along seepage banks and around springs, and are often found along the banks of streams, on sand and gravel bars where they are inundated during high water, and may even be found anchored in stream beds. In the colder, more northern regions or high elevation habitats, plants are often found around hot springs. There are 10 to 20 long-lasting flowers per inflorescence, and they bloom in the spring and summer.

Photographer: Ron Parsons (www.flickr.com/photos/rpflowershots)

Info: Charles Baker culture sheet www.orchidculture.com and Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia (www.orchidspecies.com