Mariton: Showy Orchid

The Showy Orchid (Galearis spectabilis) blooms at Mariton Preserve in May.  This is a very pretty, but very small orchid that is native in Pennsylvania.  These photos were taken by Denis Manchon.

Enjoy viewing orchids where you find them.  Orchids are very dependent on fungal mychorizae in the soil.  Transplanting them from a forest into a yard will likely fail.  I have been very pleased that the Showy Orchid is spreading at Mariton.  It could be that the forest and its soils are maturing to allow germination.

On the other hand, the spread coincides with a concerted effort to remove Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) from Mariton.  Garlic mustard is an invasive plant that is believed to actually impede the growth of fungal mychorizae.  Many native  trees and herbaceous plants (including orchids) rely on mychorizae for nutrients.  I feel that the removal of garlic mustard explains the spread of orchids, trilliums, and other wildflowers in Mariton’s woods.