Native orchids are protected by federal and state laws. This album lists those that are classified as threatened or endangered by both the USDA and a document by Michigan State University. The same orchids species are recorded by both, but in some cases the status’s are different. I choose to use the endangered when both classification status’s did not match.
I’d like to think that all native orchids, as well as wildflowers, are at risk. Habitat loss is probably the major cause, but other natural destruction occurs. It is our responsibility to protect these plants in their natural state. Sometimes native orchids are just loved to death. Unnecessary touching, trampling of habitat and collection can lead to a plants demise after it has been visited. There is much to say on this subject, but I simply ask that everyone please be respectful of the plants and the surroundings in which they grow. Then these plants will be in their natural state for our children and their children to enjoy as we have.
Al Menk