Unexpected Beauty
Exploring the Native Orchids of the Northeast
History
In North America, orchids are often associated with delicate beauty, tropical climates, and exotic flowers. The widespread availability of Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) in grocery stores over the past decade has somewhat diminished their mystique, yet they are still perceived as foreign species, cultivated for regions where they do not naturally thrive. However, orchids are not as foreign as many might think. In New Jersey alone, there are 50 native orchid species, and across the tri-state area, more than 70 species can be found.
Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants (Orchidaceae) and came to being in the late Cretaceous Period, over 100 million years ago. (1) There are over 25,000 species of orchids in the world, and have been symbols of beauty, fertility, and riches in many cultures. There is poetry, art, and writings about orchids from thousands of years ago. (1)
Orchids consist of three pedals, one column and a labellum which extends at the bottom of the flowering part of the orchid for pollinators to land on. (5) These features often stand out from other native vegetation and are symmetrical in appearance. Humans’ natural affinity towards symmetry is theorized to be one of major reasons orchids have been a fascination for so long.
North-East Specific
Unlike tropical orchids, which are epiphytes, growing on other plants and dangling in the air, Tri-State orchids are terrestrial, meaning they grow in soil and depend on mycorrhizal fungi for survival. (3) These fungi form symbiotic relationships with orchid root systems, providing essential nutrients and even helping to break dormancy, prompting the orchid to emerge from the soil. Orchids in the Northeast are particularly sensitive to mycorrhizal fungi, habitat specificity, and pollution, making them valuable indicator species for environmental health. (3)
Unfortunately, New Jersey has experienced significant habitat degradation, placing many native orchids on threatened and endangered lists. (3) Like many native flowering plants, orchids also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, benefiting other native flora and fauna.
Threats to Native Orchids
Orchids face habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and invasive species. Additional threats include deer grazing and human activities such as off-roading and hiking. Climate change and pollution further impact orchids, as they are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Another threat comes from poaching unknowingly or knowingly picking wild orchids, unaware of their delicate nature and rarity. It is essential to appreciate these plants without disturbing their natural habitats. In New Jersey, collecting wild orchids is illegal, as many native species are classified as rare or endangered.
Tips for Spotting Native Orchids
The Pink Lady’s Slipper is the most common orchid in New Jersey. (2) It blooms annually and grows between 6 and 15 inches tall. These orchids are often found along the edges of forest clearings, and in rare cases, their typically pink flowers appear white.
The Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands, is a vast expanse of pine forests, wetlands, and heathlands, renowned for its rich biodiversity, including numerous orchid species. Notable orchids found in this region include the Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule), Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and various Platanthera species.
Wetlands provide the moist, acidic soils that many native orchids require. Species such as Lace-lip Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes laciniata) and Atlantic Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes bightensis) thrive in these environments. Coastal dune swales—low-lying areas between dunes that retain moisture—also support unique plant communities, including Atlantic Ladies’ Tresses.
The rarest orchid in New Jersey is the Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides), which is federally threatened and endangered in the state. This elusive orchid has only been spotted a few times in New Jersey. Due to its small stature and unassuming appearance, it is particularly difficult to detect in the wild.
Advocacy
Orchids serve as a striking visual representation of biodiversity in landscapes. They can help combat “plant blindness” by sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Searching for orchids, while respecting their habitats, can strengthen people’s connection to nature and inspire enthusiasm for conservation. Preserving native habitats through programs like Green Acres depends on an environmentally conscious public. On an individual level, joining advocacy groups and supporting conservation efforts through lobbying can help protect fragile ecosystems and address environmental degradation.
Works Cited
1. Dodson, Calaway H. “Orchid.” Britannica, 23 1 2025, https://www.britannica.com/plant/orchid/Economic-importance. Accessed 14 January 2025.
2. Dviabhav. “Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady’s Slipper).” Jersey-Green, https://jersey-green.com/2023/05/12/cypripedium-acaule-pink-ladys-slipper/#:~:text=The%20pink%20lady's%20slipper%20is,deer%20population%20eats%20these%20orchids. Accessed 14 January 2025.
3. Mitchell, Alison, et al. “NJ’s 50 native orchids.” New Jersey Conservation Foundation, 26 August 2021, https://www.njconservation.org/njs-50-native-orchids/#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20prettiest%20include,and%20state%2Dlisted%20endangered%20species. Accessed January 13 2024.
4. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “DEP Discovers Globally Rare Orchid in Sussex County's Stokes State Forest.” New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 6 July 2018, https://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2018/18_0058.htm. Accessed 14 January 2025.
5. WildflowerMD. All About Orchids. WildflowerMD, 2025. Wildflower Stem+Sundry, https://www.wildflowermd.com/knowledge/flower-dictionary/orchid/#:~:text=Found%20all%20across%20the%20globe,orchids%20is%20their%20unmistakable%20symmetry. Accessed 10 February 2025.
Additional Resources
For a more in-depth look at the wild orchids of New Jersey's Pine Barrens, you might find this video informative:
