Wild orchid species are classified into many botanical groups, or alliances. Although most of the more familiar ones are tropical, there are also many native orchids which can be found growing wild in the Ottawa area. Often, the native orchids tend to be rather inconspicuous and are easily overlooked, but some of them can be quite spectacular. For example, an area known as Purdon Fen (near Lanark, about 60km west of Ottawa) is home to over 16,000 plants of the aptly named "Showy Lady's Slipper" (botanical name cypripedium reginae). When these are in bloom (in mid June), they make an unforgettable sight!

Showy Lady's Slipper Orchids growing in Purdon Fen

The Ottawa Orchid Society is taking a special interest in Purdon Fen, and is actively helping with conservation work there.

Most of the orchids grown today are hybrids, produced by crossing two or more species. Often, these hybrid plants can be selected to exhibit desirable tendencies from each parent, making the hybrid plant easier to grow, more compact for indoor growing, more tolerant of varying conditions, and of course with larger, more colourful flowers.

Some of the tropical orchid alliances are shown in the photos below: