California has only 32 species of orchids (actually one is an introduced species), and one or more species can be found in every county of the state. The largest genus is Piperia, which has eleven species which many would call insignificant, but are actually quite beautiful under close inspection. The state is home to three species of Cypripedium, one of which is a near endemic (it extends its range into the southwest corner of Oregon) as well as a host of other beauties. Most of the species will be discussed, some with examples from different parts of their range, others with color forms. All photographs were taken in the wild.