Orchids of Florida

Butterfly Orchid

• The Butterfly Orchid (Encyclia tampensis) is the most common orchid in Florida. Its growing season is from May through August, peaking in June. Many variations exist in the size, shape and coloration of this orchid. Several flowers grow on a tall, thin stalk with one to three slim leaves. The flower color ranges from deep red to a brushed "candy-striped" appearance to completely white. The flower is found in the state's south-central swamps, living mostly on live oak trees.

Chapman's Fringed Orchid

• This orchid is the rarest in the United States; the majority grow within the protected state and national forests of Florida. The Chapman's Fringed Orchid (Platanthera chapmanii) grows from July through September and is at its peak in August. The orchid favors moist conditions. In addition to growing protected wild land, the orchid also grows in wet roadsides and ditches. The flower is known for the many small, fringed, vibrant-orange flowers that grow from the top of its long, thin stalk.

Fragrant Ladies' Tresses

• The Fragrant Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes odorata) is one of the few true aquatic orchids within the United States. These flowers can grow in water up to several inches deep within the state's wet ditches, swamps and forests. This flower grows in the fall to winter months, peaking in October. The orchid forms basal leaves that burst into a single raceme (flower cluster along a single stem) of flowers ranging from cream to yellow that have a pleasant fragrance similar to vanilla.

Scarlet Ladies' Tresses

• While not the most abundant orchid in Florida, the Scarlet Ladies' Tresses (Sacoila lanceolata) are the most conspicuous, as the flower tends to grow along the moist roadways through the state. The flower blooms in the spring and early summer months, peaking in May. As obvious by its name, this particular orchid species is known for its one-inch, tubular, coral-red flowers. One of the best places to see this orchid in full bloom is between Orlando and Yeehaw Junction, between early and mid-May.