Prairie grass-pink, calopogon oklahomensis

aka prairie grass-pink orchid

Larry,
Very interesting flower. I don't think I've seen one of these or if I did I didn't know what I was looking at.
How big is the bloom? and what areas are they found in?

Thanks,
Rod

Thanks Rod,
I have heard they are a bit rare. Too rare to make it into some books. This variety grows on open prairie. This one was near a hilltop. The bloom was about an inch, maybe a bit more and kind of down below the level of surrounding grasses. I think they have a pretty short blooming season but I have not verified that yet.

Larry - Beautiful flower. These wild orchids are quite rare. You have made quite a find. It reminds me that the prairies are full of wonderful surprises.

Thanks Daniel. It was certainly a pleasure to get to photograph one. Hope to make it back to the prairie in the next week or so, and continuing through the summer.

What a treat and special find Larry. Your time in the prairies is proving to be quite productive. Beautiful specimens! Thanks for sharing this rare beauty.

Thanks for the comments and compliment Wayne. I hope to be able to spend more time on this one particular prairie as it has never been plowed and is now being maintained by the Missouri Prairie Foundation, www.moprairie.org . I just wish it was some closer, about an hour and half drive.