Sweden, Maine
| June 4 (bloom) Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides). I first found this plant last fall just off the path below the house. It had me puzzled, but I finally decided it had to be the Isotria, which is listed as a rare plant in Maine (see documentation). I marked the site of the plant last fall and was pleasantly surprised when I saw it appear again this spring. The photo to right is from May 22. The shoot is about 1 inch tall. |  |
| The
bloom is starting to open on June 4. A little out of focus, but you can
see the 3 short arching sepals (one vertical at the top and two beneath
the white portion). I was contacted by a state botanist/ecologist who is interested in seeing the plant and, perhaps, helping me look for others nearby. I have since found out that there is a population of about 30 plants about 3 miles from here. According to my Peterson's, the plant may lie dormant for 10 - 20 years before reappearing. I feel fortunate that it returned the year after I first found it. I wonder how long it has been at this location. I also wonder how it got here. |  |
| View from the top. |  |
| Photo from June 5 |  |
| June 6 |  |
| June 6 |  |