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Wildflowers of The Sanctuary The Ridges Sanctuary is internationally recognized for the incredible diversity of plant life found here. Nearly 500 vascular plants find their home in this rich complex of boreal forest and wetlands. Some, like the delicate Twinflower, are typically found much further north, but can survive here because of the cooling effects of Lake Michigan. Others, like the insect-eating Pitcher Plant and Sundew, prefer the acidic waters of the swales. Twelve endangered or threatened plant species are protected within the Sanctuary. Among all the plants found here, perhaps none are better known and sought after than the orchids. Over 25 native orchids bloom in The Ridges Sanctuary. These range in size from the tiny Heartleaf Twayblade to the tall, elegant Showy Lady's-slipper. In order to protect these rare beauties from damage or theft, exact locations of most orchid species are usually not disclosed except to qualified researchers.
Shown above are a few of the 25 species of native orchids found in the Sanctuary. Clockwise from top left: Pink Moccasin Flower (Cypripedium acaule), Grass Pink Orchid (Calopogon pulchellus), Showy Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae), and Ram's Head Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium arientinum). Listed below are the approximate blossoming dates of some of the more showy flowering plants of the Sanctuary. Actual blossoming dates may vary from year to year because of temperature, moisture and light conditions.
Related Plant Links: University of Wisconsin Herbarium - website features a searchable database of Wisconsin plants and lichens, including photos, habitat descriptions, distribution maps and more. Orchids of Wisconsin - a somewhat technical site, with detailed descriptions and photos of all Wisconsin orchid species.
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