Wildflowers Found in Oregon

Broad Leaved Helleborine

Epipactis helleborine Robust and tall, up to 90 cm; can form small clumps. Leaves broad, strongly ribbed, arranged spirally up the stem. Up to 100 flowers borne in a one-sided spike. Ovary strongly ribbed and smooth. Sepals blunt, upper petals smaller and pinkish. Lip divided into a cup-shaped hypochile, dark red and sticky within, and a pinkish, wedge shaped epichile, the tip strongly reflexed. The base of the epichile bears two rough, brown bosses. Flower colour varies from greenish where plants grow in shade to deep reddish-brown in sunny sites. Chlorotic plants, where all parts are pale yellowish-green, have been reported widely.

Mainly found on calcareous soils, but will tolerate slight acidity. Grows in broad-leaved and coniferous woodlands, especially on road and track verges where there is plenty of sunlight. Also on limestone cliffs and pavements, dune slacks and even in town gardens, such as in Glasgow where it is relatively common.