Platanthera psycodes (Small purple fringed orchid)

Photographing the beautiful display of Small purple fringed orchids was the main reason for our day trip to Mt. Mitchell, NC. I scheduled this trip a full week ahead of when they are "normally" expected to be in bloom, since most of the local orchids have bloomed early this year. I think I made a good decision, since they were in perfect form.

I'm posting the more common purple colors today, and I will post the pink ones tomorrow. They have to be my favorite forms...