Triphora trianthophora (Three-birds orchid)

While on a recent wildflower trip Monday, July 9, I decided to look around to see if the Three-birds orchid had begun to peek up out of the leaf litter on the forest floor. About this time of year, the new plants are just forming their buds and are about one or two inches tall.

To my surprise, I found about a half-dozen in bloom! This has to be the earliest they have been seen in bloom in this area (Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC)! Lucky me for being in the right place at the right time. The flowers last only a few hours and new ones may not open for another couple of weeks...