Re: epipactis helleborine

Laura,

I was fascinated to hear about your volunteer Epipactis helleborines. How
did you identify them? In Michael Homoya's ORCHIDS OF INDIANA, he reports
that this European orchid was introduced (probably in 1895) and is
continuing to spread throughout the NE USA. Some authorities consider it
an aggressive pest, but he says he has found no evidence of bad behavior
on its part. It was probably brought over to this country because of the
belief that it would cure gout. If you are not familiar with this book,
you might want to take a look at it. There is probably quite a bit of
overlap between the flora of our two states.

In reply to your question, my guess would be that it does not require any
special care. Sounds as if it is pretty adaptable.  Does anyone else on SG
have any of these orchids?

Bobbi Diehl
Bloomington, IN
zone 5/6

On Tue, 27 Jun 2000, Laura Noble wrote:  I have three volunteer epipactus
helleborine growing in an area which was lawn last year.  In the fall I
mulched the area with leaves and clippings.  What, if anything, should I
do?
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