Untangling the Mystery of RMNP Native Orchids

What is an orchid? The orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest family of flowering plants, about 35,000 species. Surprisingly there are about 26 species native to Colorado with many growing in the montane and subalpine zones of RMNP. Our day includes learning the characteristics of the orchid family, orchid terminology, their symbiotic relationship to other plants, history of uses, and looking at specific orchid species found in RMNP. We will see how many species we can find and identify in the field, while enjoying these elusive and mysterious plants.  

CSM credit available

Meets at the RMC Field Institute

Instructor: Marlene Borneman