whorled pogonia, Isotria verticillata

These fanciful orchid flowers are up to four inches top to bottom. They're always fun to see, aren't they? What? You haven't! Well get out there, wade into those bogs, and keep your eyes open! In a lifetime of doing that, I've seen these twice. It seems to be a bit unusual, and the colors do blend in a bit. You will notice that there are an unusual number of states that list this as a protected species. It has been found in AL, AR, CT, DE, FL(E), GA, IL(E), IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME(X), MI(T), MO, MS, NC, NH(E), NJ, NY(V), OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT(T), WV, and ON(T). Washtenaw Co MI, 5/27/13. Orchid family, Orchidaceae.