Other Michigan Native Orchids Within the State

In 2010, My wife and I found many Corallorhiza odontorhiza, Autumn Coralroot, near the Lake Superior shoreline. All distribution maps do not indicate that this species had ever been reported in the Upper Peninsula. So, what other possibilities could exist where a species has extended the known range. Four species come to mind when separating the Upper and Lower Peninsula's.

Platanthera blephariglottis, (White Fringed Orchid) and Aplectrum hyemale (Puttyroot) has established locations in the Northern Lower Peninsula counties, but no report of it being in the Upper Peninsula.

Just the opposite, Piperia unalascensis, (Alaska Orchid) and Listera auriculata (Auricled Twayblade) is known to the Upper Peninsula but has not been located in the Lower Peninsula.

Many of the distribution maps for Michigan Native Orchids are in need of being updated, but a method to do so seems to be in need of being more defined as to who is the responsible organization to do so. We notified the National Forest and Lakeshore of the Corallorhiza odontorhiza location in the Upper Peninsula, which they were going to followup on as they did not show the species in the records. But if this information is passed on to the USDA is not something that I'm aware of.

Keep an open mind when searching for Michigan's Native Orchids as you will sometimes be surprised by what you will find.