Piperia elongata

Piperia elongata, the Long-spurred Piperia, is another of our native orchids, this example photographed at Goose Rock, near Deception Pass. The plant can be and in this case was around two feet tall and flowers around an inch in size. The nectar can be seen in the long, semi-transparent spur, that is the distinguishing feature of the flowers. By the time the plant flowers, the leaves, which lie close to the ground, have withered away.

This species is often mistaken for Pipera transversa, which it does resemble in color and flower shape, but that species has a spur that sticks out horizontally and is usually a smaller plant than this species. Both bloom, though, at the same time of the year and often in the same area, so it is not surprising that they are confused. They were both blooming at Goose Rock when this photo was taken last summer.

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