Utah Orchid Society

The “White Bog Orchid” is already up along the Catherine’s Pass trail. It is really dry up there. They won’t be blooming for long unless we get some rain!

Bruce

Here is some information on native orchids that bloom in May and June.

• Cypripedium parviflorum (Ladies Slipper)

  At one time this orchid was found in many locations in Utah. Today l only know of one location where this orchid grows in the wild, that is up Red Butte Canyon above the gardens and on the opposite side of the creek in the bog area. The plants are near a hibernation area for snakes. When in bloom in late May care should be taken around this area because of rattlesnakes. There are a few collected plants around.

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A most spectacular native orchid hike is the Lake Blanch Mill B South Trail (L B Mill B) which begins in the lower S-Turn in Big Cottonwood canyon. The best time to go is the weekend nearest to July 15th. The hike is a strenuous 3-miles to the lake. Virtually every step is "up" going and "down" on the way back down. During this hike plan on finding 5 native orchids: Platanthera hyperborea, Piperia unalascensis, Listera convallarioides, Cypripedium fasciculatum. Although they will not be in bloom, the plants rosette form and green and white variegated leaves can identify Goodyera oblongifolia. An immature inflorescence may be present, but not in bloom.

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The blooming season is starting to wind down. The following is the blooming activity for August.

• Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute Ladies Tresses)
  This species is a listed threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The species has been collected/recorded from throughout Utah. One of the larger populations grows along Diamond Fork Creek in Utah County. To find these plants take the Diamond Fork road off Highway 6 (Spanish Fork Canyon Highway (Highway 6 exit off Interstate 15). Numerous group of plants may be found along Diamond Fork Creek in many of the open riparian areas along the stream. The plants will be found in the open areas within 10-20 feet from the stream banks. Plants are six to 18 inches tall with an inflorescence with 3 to 20 white flowers. Early August is the prime bloom period.

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