Re: epipactis helleborine
Bobbi,
When the epipactis first came up I thought it was some sort of lilly, but
when the first blossom opened, I was astonished at its orchid-like
appearance. I took one of the little flowers to the library and matched it
to a drawing and description in a wildflower book. Can't remember which
one. The book simply gave a description, stated the plant's range and said
that it is "Alien." I'll have the library send for the Indiana wildflower
book.
Laura
Cleveland, 6a
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bobbi Diehl" <diehlr@INDIANA.EDU>
To: <shadegardens@maelstrom.stjohns.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2000 10:55 AM
Subject: Re: [SG] 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?
