RHH's photos with the keyword: broad-leaved helleborine

The Broad-leaved Helleborine is usually counted among our native orchids, since it has naturalized in many different locations, but it is in fact not a native and not even a North American species. It was brought to eastern Canada by settlers in the 19th century who used it to curdle milk, and has since spread across southern Canada and the United States. Interestingly, we've found it mostly long railways or old abandoned tracks.

This orchid is not really a native, but a European import that has naturalized itself all across the country. It was first reported in Canada in the late 1800'sand since then has spread quickly. We found it growing along a railway line, an indication, perhaps, of how it has spread. Further pictures and a description of this lovely "weed" can be found at: nativeorchidsofthepacificnorthwest.blogspot.com/2010/09/b... .