Rhododendron maximum (Rosebay Rhododendron) with Neottia smallii (Kidneyleaf Twayblade orchid) growing underneath

I made a quick trip north to the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina where I photographed Kidneyleaf Twayblade orchid around this time last year. I was curious to see whether they had already bloomed. I did find a handfull of flowering plants, but it appears that I was a week or so late to see them at peak flowering. All of the orchid plants, as expected, were growing in the shade directly under large Rhododendron maximum shrubs next to a small stream.

To see more images and to read more about this field trip, please go to Jim's Blog.