Pictured above: A roadside patch of Chapman’s fringed orchid (Platanthera chapmanii) by Stacey Matrazzo
107 species native to Florida Source: Atlas of Florida Plants Note: Recognized taxa may differ between sources, depending on which taxonomic approach is followed.
Family characteristics
Despite the incredible diversity within the Orchidaceae family — over 25,000 species worldwide — orchids are one of the most universally recognized types of wildflowers. They fascinate us and have been woven into the fabric of human cultures and mythologies for centuries. The collection and cultivation of orchids is a thriving industry fueled by enthusiasts across the globe. Here in Florida, we are fortunate to have many beautiful species of both terrestrial and epiphytic orchids.
Typical orchid flowers have six tepals: three are outer sepals and three are inner petals. Two distinctive components of the flower are the dorsal sepal and the labellum. The dorsal sepal is positioned above or behind the column. The labellum is often curved below the column; it acts as a landing pad for pollinators and may include a nectar spur. In some species, the labellum is reduced and positioned behind the flower to aid pollination by hovering insects or birds.
Tuberous grasspink (Calopogon tuberosus) flower. Photo by Emily Bell
The Green fly orchid (Epidendrum conopseum) is the only epiphytic orchid that ranges into North Florida. Photo by Emily Bell
The Ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is one of Florida most mysterious wildflowers. Photo by Atlee Hargis (CC) BY-NC
Interesting facts
While terrestrial orchids can be found throughout the state, most of Florida’s epiphytic orchids are restricted to South and Central Florida. The exception is the Greenfly orchid (Epidendrum conopseum), the only epiphytic orchid that ranges into North Florida and extends as far north as the Carolinas.
Many of Florida’s orchids are rare and endangered, with poaching and habitat loss from development placing increasing pressure on their populations. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the state-endangered Ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii), which gained fame through the non-fiction book The Orchid Thief and the film Adaptation. It also drew attention in 2019 when scientists captured the first-ever photo and video documentation of its pollination by Sphinx moths.
Explore Florida native wildflowers in the Orchidaceae family:
Crested fringed orchid (Platanthera cristata ) is a state-threatened terrestrial orchid found in wet prairies, seepage bogs, ditches and wet pine flatwoods. Its bright yellow to light orange flowers bloom in summer, peaking in August.
Bearded grasspinks (Calopogon barbatus) are the earliest bloomers of Florida’s four Calopogon species, generally starting in January and February. They occur in bogs, wet flatwoods, prairies and roadsides.
The Hairy shadow witch (Ponthieva racemosa) is a stunning terrestrial orchid that blooms in late fall. It grows among the leaf litter of forest hammocks and swampy areas.
Fragrant pogonia (Cleistesiopsis oricamporum), also commonly referred to as Coastal plain pogonia, is a delicate and state-listed endangered terrestrial orchid found in the wet flatwoods, savannahs and bogs of Northern Florida.
Tuberous grasspink (Calopogon tuberosus ) is a showy terrestrial orchid that blooms across Florida each spring. It occurs in bogs and wet flatwoods, prairies and roadsides.
It takes a keen observer to spot Spring coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana), a small terrestrial orchid whose colors provide expert camouflage against the leaf litter of the deciduous trees under which it grows.
The White fringed orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis) is a striking wildflower found in bogs and wet meadows across North and Central Florida. The summer blooms attract many pollinators from bees to butterflies and moths.
Manyflowered grasspink (Calopogon multiflorus) is a state-threatened terrestrial orchid that blooms winter through spring, but most abundantly in March through May.
Clamshell orchid (Prosthechea cochleata var. triandra) is a striking epiphytic orchid found in South Florida’s cypress swamps and hammocks.This state-listed endangered species blooms late fall through early spring, peaking in December. Blooms can last several months. The plant is believed to be self-pollinated in Florida as it has no known pollinators here. The plant has several common names, including Florida cockleshell orchid and Octopus orchid.
Cowhorn orchid (Cyrtopodium punctatum) is a stunning epiphytic wildflower that occurs in swamps and coastal uplands in South Florida. It typically grows on Cypress (Taxodium spp.) and Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) trees. Florida’s once-abundant population was largely depleted in the early 20th century due to overcollection and habitat destruction. It is now a state-listed endangered species. The plant blooms in late winter through spring, with peak blooming in May.
Toothpetal false reinorchid (Habenaria floribunda) is one of Florida’s most common terrestrial orchids. It is found in swamps and hardwood forests throughout most of peninsular Florida and typically blooms fall through winter. The semi-showy flowers are aromatic, emitting either a sweet fragrance or an unpleasant odor, depending on who you ask.
Pine-pink (Bletia purpurea) is a state-threatened terrestrial orchid found in swamps, marshes, pinelands and pine rocklands in southern Florida. Its striking pink flowers bloom in winter, spring and early summer. Pine-pink flowers are a food-deceptive species. They do not contain nectar, but may attract bees and other insects with their conspicuous floral display. However, like many orchid species, Pine-pink is self-pollinating, and some of its flowers are cleistogamous, meaning the bud self-pollinates and never fully opens.
Wild coco (Eulophia alta) is a terrestrial orchid found in hydric hammocks, hardwood swamps, wet flatwoods, marshes and open disturbed sites in Central and South Florida.
Chapman’s fringed orchid (Platanthera chapmanii ) is an endangered terrestrial orchid found in wet prairies, pine savannas and along wet roadsides and ditches. Its showy flowers typically bloom in summer.
Yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris ) is a state-threatened terrestrial orchid with showy orange to bright yellow flowers that typically bloom in summer and peak in August.
Butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis) is a slow-growing epiphyte with diminutive yet showy flowers that appear in late spring and summer. Their honey-like fragrance attracts a variety of bees.
Pale grasspink (Calopogon pallidus) is a terrestrial orchid found in bogs and wet flatwoods, prairies and roadsides. It blooms spring through summer and attracts mainly bees.
Fragrant ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes odorata) is a semi-aquatic to aquatic perennial orchid. The genus Spiranthes comes from the Greek speira or “coil” and anthos or “flower.” It refers to the spiral arrangement of the inflorescence. The species epithet odorata comes from the Latin for “fragrant” or “perfumed” and refers to its delightful vanilla-like scent. Fragrant ladies’-tresses can be found blooming now in swamps, wet pinelands and seepage slopes.
