Calopogon tuberosus (Common Grass-Pink Orchid)

Short day trip to the upstate of South Carolina... There are a few places I always enjoy seeing in mid-May.

Persimmon Ridge Road and Hwy. 288 north of Marietta, SC both provide ample opportunities to photograph late spring wildflowers. This year is no exception.

This orchid is locally abundant in mountain seepages. The colors range from deep magenta to the lightest pink (almost, but not quite white). It stands a bit over a foot tall, and is in bloom for about two weeks.