@geopsych replied to your photo “geopsych:
I saw things today.

…”

Huh. I never think of them as rare, but maybe they are. I just figured they’re pretty common in the woods. I guess there’s not as much woods as there used to be, though.

True that particular species is actually pretty widespread where it grows. I just consider native orchids in general a rare gem. Between their need a certain fungus to germinate, to habitat destruction, to plant poachers, there’s a lot to put any orchid at risk. Pink ladyslipper orchid is endangered/threatened in some american states probably for that very reason, though compared to its relatives it’s nowhere near as at risk.

Also I have never personally seen a native orchid ever in my locality which is another reason I pinned it as a rarity lol.