Broad-leaved Helleborine

Epipactis helleborine

This member of the orchid family has stalks along which grow numerous individual flowers consisting of upper sepals and petals, which are green or brown, and a lower labellum, which is pink. (See photo below.) The leaves at the base are broad, parallel-veined, ridged, entire (not toothed on the edges), and pointed at both ends.

This "weed orchid" is native to Eurasia but is now widespread in North America, and not unusual in urban habitats like parks.

1-3 feet, partial sun.

Summer (July-September).

A closer view showing the greenish petals and sepals and the pink labellum or 'lower lip,' which holds a nectar attractive to pollinators.  

5 July 2020.

Broad-leaved Helleborine, 6 July 2020.