Helleborine orchids I found prior to starting our hike. They are quite pretty though this blurry photo doesn't do them justice. They are a European species that has naturalized here in the Southeastern USA and Southern Canada. According to Stan Bentley, they are considered a weed in some areas because of how widespread they have become. In the Smokies and all of TN they are only found in this one location.
Epipactis helleborine
Orchidaceae
GSMNP TN 8/1/09
A new find for me.

Helleborine orchids I found prior to starting our hike. They are quite pretty though this blurry photo doesn't do them justice. They are a European species that has naturalized here in the Southeastern USA and Southern Canada. According to Stan Bentley, they are considered a weed in some areas because of how widespread they have become. In the Smokies and all of TN they are only found in this one location.
Epipactis helleborine
Orchidaceae
GSMNP TN 8/1/09
A new find for me.