Yesterday I posted the image of the smaller of the Yellow Lady's Slipper wildflowers I saw in Michigan. There was quite a response to it, including the fact the many of you have not seen this wild orchid before, and Janet telling how it takes 10 years for one of these plants to bloom. Intrigued, I looked back into my Michigan Wildflower book for more information. I also decided to show one of my pics of the larger Yellow Lady's Slipper, and the Pink Lady's Slipper. Regarding the 10 years, apparently the seeds of these plants are dust-like specks, with no stored food; they depend on being invaded by fungal filaments to infuse them with nutrients. This process takes several years before any roots or shoots develop. They are nearly impossible to transplant, as they cannot live without the fungus in the earth. Thank you Janet for your information. This may be more than anyone wanted to know, but I found it very interesting. Michigan, June 2019 7/18/19 Judith Sparhawk
This unusual wildflower was photographed in Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park. I liked the patterns and unusual look of these flowers, which I saw in 2 or 3 locations in Michigan.. Michigan, June 2019
These pretty deep purple violets were growing in a Michigan forest. They had a lovely delicate scent. Michigan, June 2019
