Calypso bulbosa (Fairy Slippers)
A rare orchid with circumpolar distribution, from North America to Asia. It prefers bogs, and coniferous or mixed forests. It attracts pollinators through deception, offering a sweet smell and bright colors but no reward of nectar. Their main pollinators are newly emerged queen bumblebees.
I did find Calypso — but only once, far in the depths of the very wildest of Canadian dark woods, near those high, cold, moss-covered swamps. I felt as if I were in the presence of superior beings who loved me and beckoned me to come. I sat down beside them and wept for joy.
-- John Muir













