May 6, 2026

Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis) an orchid native to Virginia, found just a short hike from my cabin. In bloom right now.

In this year, 2026, there are about 30,000 recognized species of orchids worldwide. Along with daisies, they are one of the two largest families of flowering plants in the world.

Here in Virginia there are between 64 and 67 recognized species of orchids. Back in 2022, I wrote about some of those Virginia native Orchids, including photos of 4 of them. If you’d like to look back at the post, it’s at brendaclem.com/orchids-native-to-virginia/

It astounds me that there are so many Orchids native to my state, and so many that are near me here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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