Rare woodland beauties

Two of the Upper Delaware River region’s most unique woodland inhabitants are growing increasingly rare, due to loss of habitat, animal browse and the occasional heedless human harvester.

Pink lady’s slipper, also called moccasin flower, is most often found in wooded areas, typically in humus mats covering rocky outcrops. It is a delicate orchid that propagates poorly and does not transition well to domestic gardens.

Jack-in-the-pulpit prefers moist shady woods. It is characterized by a hooded spathe that shelters a club-like spadix. The plant flowers near the base of its spathe and is pollinated by insects drawn to odors emitted by it. Jack-in-the-pulpit exudes an odor that mimics the smell of a stagnant pool, which attracts mosquitoes.

Both plants typically bloom from April to early July. Enjoy them, but leave them where they lie.