Phantom Orchid

Cephalanthera austiniae is the only species of the genus Cephalanthera to be found in North America. All the other species are European or Asian. It is also the only species in the genus that is without chlorophyll. It is well-named Phantom Orchid both for its lack of color and for its appearance on dark forest floors where it stands out in a very dramatic fashion. This example was photographed while on a recent orchid hunting trip with friends from Germany in the Columbia River gorge where it is quite common.