Lawrence Valley Trail - Irish Lady's Tresses Orchid

As you traverse the valley, keep your eyes open for these lovely little flower spikes.  They resemble a grass seed head, and the stalks are about 12” high.

Although fairly common in wild bogs, swamps and lowlands, and occur throughout most of temperate North America and the British Isles, we have never seen them in our 40 years on the farm. This is most likely due to a cooler spring, and less cattle grazing.  I counted 8 yesterday, but do keep a look out, they’re very pretty.

Ann