Spiranthes cernua (Nodding Ladies'-tresses orchid)

Brief day trip to a few selected sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina. The target species were Spiranthes cernua or Nodding Ladies'-tresses orchid and Gentiana austromontana or Appalachian Gentian. Knowing the location of a handful of sites for both of these species helped a great deal. I just love the fall wildflowers in the mountains...

To check out the full field trip report, please go to Jim's Blog.