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There are a huge variety of orchids native to Texas, particularly eastern Texas. We will post more detailed information and hope to have more pictures to come. Here are some of our other orchids native to the Pineywoods:

Corallorrhiza - Coralroot
Hexalectris
Isotria verticillata - Whorled Pagonia
Maxalis unifolia - Green Adder's Tongue
Ponthevia racemosa - Hairy Shadow Witch
Tipularia discolor - Cranefly Orchid
Triphora trianthophora - Three Birds Orchid
Zeuxine - Soldier's Orchid

North America is home to several Cypripedium species, but the largest is the Kentucky Lady's Slipper Orchid. It is the only slipper native to east Texas. A rare site in this area, it's numbers are estimated at less than 3000 worldwide. Conservation efforts are underway, but local efforts are currently headed by volunteers in Houston, Louisiana, and Minnesota. ETOS may have unique opportunities to contribute to this noble effort in the future
Cyprepediums have seen breakthroughs in propagation over the past few decades. More and more are becoming commercially available including Cyp. kentuckiense and many of it's hybrids. Check the "Orchid Links" page for suppliers. Demand is high, so prices are as well, but offering artificially propagated plants for sale lessens collection pressure on wild populations.

Several species of Calopogon are endemic to North America, at least two are found in East Texas. Calopogons are bog orchids and are frequently found alongside our native pitcherplants and sundews. C. tuberosis is most commonly found, but C. oklahomensis was recently described in 1995 as a distinct species.

Spiranthes are relatively common in the North America. Known as Lady's Tresses due to their spiral flower presentation, Spiranthes is a variable genus. Most grow in moist but free draining soils, although some tolerate soggy conditions. Some varieties are tolerant of garden culture and are just starting to show how viable they are for use as landscape plants.
The Navasota Lady's Tresses (S. parksii) is a Texas native and one of Texas' only orchid species with an official "endangered" status. Widely distributed across the US, one species grows in Death Valley and nowhere else!

The genus Platanthera, known as the fringed orchids (and in at least one case "fringeless"), are bog species. We have at least 4 different species in the area and maybe more They include P. cilliaris, P. cristata, P. integra, and P. chapmannii wich is very rare. Sometimes found in low depressions and roadside ditches, fringed orchids are a site to see in person. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is currently working on ex situ conservation via artificial propagation.

The Rose Pagonia is another bog species. Although small, it is a welcome site in the native orchid circles. It closely resembles the shape and form of some of its larger tropical cousins - like a miniature coresage.

Pagonia has been successfully cultivated in bog gardens alongside our native pitcher plant, Sarracenia alata. Its availability is very limited. If you find one for sale, be sure it is nursery propagated.