Story and Photographs By Joan Herrmann

Whereiwander… June 16, 2024, is Father’s Day and the official day to go looking for the “Showy Queen”. Its common name is Showy Lady’s Slipper Orchid, and its botanical name is Cypripedium reginae. The habitat which this beautiful orchid prefers is that of a sphagnum bog. As it is a much sought-after orchid, it is among the flora which is on the New York State Protected Plant List. This orchid cannot live in any other environment than a bog. Picking one would also kill the entire plant. Take as many photographs as you wish but leave the flower to grow again another year. Please keep in mind that many of the area bogs in which the showy lady’s slippers are residing are on privately owned property.

The showy lady’s slipper, in addition to being our largest orchid, has a unique way of reproducing. The large pouch-like flower is actually an inflated lip or labellum. This labellum attracts pollinators, and it is this modified petal that is essential for the next orchid’s survival. Insects are attracted by a sweet smell of nectar that is deceptive, since the pouch actually has no nectar. But, once trapped within the lip/labellum the insect seeks a means of escape. There are downward-pointing hairs that lead the pollinator to a small exit. But, prior to escaping, the insect must pass by a comb-like formation of the plant’s stigma (the sticky part that receives pollen), and the orchid is now pollinated. Once the insect continues its departure, it then passes by this plant’s anther, the part that has this plant’s new pollen. This way, the insect will be able to cross-pollinate with the next flower that the insect visits. Occasionally, the final exit hole is too small for larger insects to escape. However, some may be able to chew their way out. Unfortunately, some may be unsuccessful and may perish within the orchid. If left untouched, the showy lady’s slipper can survive for more than twenty years, and each plant is capable of producing a capsule, which, once pollinated, of up to sixty thousand seeds. Also, another reason for not picking a showy lady’s slipper is that handling one can produce a rash that is similar to that of poison ivy.

We also have several more sought-after ladies’ slippers that also may be found in our area. We have a Pink Lady’s Slipper, which is known by several common names: Pink Lady’s Slipper, Moccasin Flower, and Camel’s Foot. The Pink Lady’s Slipper’s botanical name is Cypripedium acaule. The habitat in which the pink lady’s slipper resides is much different as it prefers that of mixed hardwoods and coniferous forests. It is a fairly early bloomer and may be found in May through early July. This lady’s slipper grows from four to twelve inches in height and has two large basal (near the ground) leaves. The stem rises from the leaves and holds a pouch of slipper-shaped flowers, which may be pale pink, dark pink, or even white. Its coloring is derived from the soil condition. The flower will last for several weeks, but its basal leaves will remain for the entire summer and fall. If you fail to see a bloom this year, make a mental note of the leaves location and look for it again next spring. Over the years I have found numerous hiking areas where the pink lady’s slippers may be found. The Rome Sand Plains, Agers Falls hiking trails in Lyons Falls, Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, and, of course, throughout the numerous hiking trails within the Adirondacks.

In addition to the large orchids we also have numerous less conspicuous orchids growing throughout our area. Many gracious people have assisted me over the years in finding different species of orchids. At the New York State Fair several years ago, I had the good fortune to meet a kind man who gave me directions to find some of the smaller but truly lovely orchids. The site is only about a mile from my home. I have been photographing and documenting these orchids for twenty-plus years. The orchid is known as Downy Rattlesnake (Goodyera pubescens). Its common name is for the supposed snake skin appearance of the leaves and the downy or soft hairy look of the stem and flowers. It was also believed that the Native Americans used this plant to treat snake bites. Botanists have found, however, that the plant does not medicinally contain properties that would cure a venomous snake bite.

Orchids have been referred to as the nobility of the flower world. In the northeast, we are especially fortunate to have numerous species of orchids, which bloom throughout the spring, summer, and even in autumn. You may be surprised to learn that New York State actually has more indigenous (native) orchids than Hawaii. Hawaii has three native species of orchids and numerous orchids that have been introduced from other parts of the world. In New York State we have more than sixty species of native orchids. You may find orchids growing in the woods, bogs, moist meadows, fens, swamps and even along the roadsides. Orchids can be observed and photographed while hiking, kayaking/canoeing or perhaps while exploring your own lawn or gardens.

A few of the smaller orchids that thrive in wetter habitats that I have found while kayaking near the shoreline are Grass Pinks (Calopogon tuberous) and Rose Pogonias (Pogonias ophioglossoides). Calopogon is from the Greek word kalos meaning beautiful and the Greek word meaning beard, thus the beautiful beard refers to the “tuft of bristles on the lip” of the plant. Pogonias is from the Greek word which also means “beard,” and ophioglossoides, meaning” tongue of a snake.” Even with their strange botanical names these are two truly beautiful and delightful tiny jewels.

I sincerely hope that you will have an opportunity throughout this spring, summer, and fall to seek out these amazing orchids or any of the numerous orchids that thrive where you wander.

Joan Herrmann has taught and done programs for Schools, Garden Clubs, Libraries, and Nature Centers for about 38 years as a Professional Nature Photographer, Naturalist, and Outdoor Educator. After moving from the Rochester area in 1995, she began her Photography business, Essence of Nature, and became a co-owner of The Artworks in Old Forge, New York. As a docent at Munson, Williams, Proctor Arts Institute in Utica, New York, she has been educating children and adults for nineteen years.

In 2007, she began working with the Black River Outdoor Educational Program (BROEP). In 2013 and 2014, she did a week-long summer program at BROEP with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC).

Using her love of nature and photography, she created a Flora/Fauna outdoor educational program teaching students (ages 6 to 14) the joys of nature and creative photography skills.

Joan’s love of nature has been a lifelong study of Birds, Wildflowers, Mosses, Ferns, Trees, Amphibians, Reptiles, Grasses, Insects, Spiders, Tracks, Scat, and Galls. She has assisted in cataloging all trails used by the hiking Coaches and photographed and identified seasonal Flora.

Since October 2016, she has written a bi-monthly nature column with Adirondack Express Newspaper. In October 2019, she began a bi-monthly column with the My Little Falls newspaper. You may reach her at jmhphoto8442@gmail.com.