Most orchid enthusiasts do not think of temperate regions when they think of orchids, but some of the most beautiful orchids in the world occur in the United States and Canada. Although Mexico is part of North America, orchids of Mexico are not included in this talk. Except for Florida where there are a few dozen epiphytic species (Epidendrum magnoliae does grow north to the Carolinas), the remainder (close to 200) of our native orchids are terrestrial, and they are found in every state and almost every habitat. One of Ron's favorite wildflower subjects, every photograph of the North America Orchids lecture is taken in situ.

For more of Ron's photos of North American Orchids, visit the photogallery

Cypripedium reginae

Cypripedium acaule