Epipactis showed up from nowhere in my garden a few years ago. There was only one little plant at first and I let it go hoping it might be Epipactis gigantea, a rare native plant in my area. Well, now I know better and I read that it is considered invasive in many areas. I'd be interested in hearing any experiences or comments other gardeners on this Forum might share.
Interesting - and way more interesting than chores in a rainy day! So both names you say above are introduced to BC Although for some reason - the gigantica version has a BC management plan to protect it - i don’t know enough about how plant scientists figure this out - again it would also interesting to know more about that official process for flora and fauna - link below EIRS Application - Timeout Page Then this history from Cambridge Mass (Harvard) With due respect to the comment posters - it’s all in eye of beholder I suppose - the Colorado comment Why do we have blackberries ? And all the broom in bright yellow bloom now? And Russian knapweed in Okanagan ? An Unwanted Orchid » Arnold Arboretum ——- I suppose you could dig up a few and pot them up in a safe place and see what further happens and meanwhile get rid of the rest of what you think you have — ie the nasty version I notice there is a known and photographed occurrence of the gigantica at the Roderick Haig Brown BC provincial park —- is that Campbell River ? See BC report link above. (NB ÉDIT - thé Roderick Haig Brown Park is nr Adams River BC which makes sense given his dedication to salmon - although he lived in Campbell River BC)
Thanks for your comments Georgia Strait. It is my understanding (from EFlora BC) that Epipactis gigantea is native to BC - not necessarily to my local area - though Campbell River isn't that far away. Interesting that it is not shown on the EFlora interactive map anywhere on Vancouver Island. Epipactis helleborine is introduced - and it seems, showing up in more and more gardens. It evidently spreads by seed. I think I'd better start to remove it before it becomes a problem I can't control especially if the rhizome is difficult to dig up.
I inherited a patch of orange flower “alstroemeria” What a nightmare I mean it’s a pretty flower but it spreads like crazy I also bought expensive soil loaded w fireweed - another horror - those roots travel! The bright light is that the hummingbirds and bees love the flowers !
I MUST CORRECT - the gigantic version is in the Roderick Haig Brown park nr Adams River I assumed Campbell River - ie his home turf. If you look at that BC report fr 2013 — lots of sites in Thompson Okanagan - tho I can’t recall seeing it and I am fairly familiar w the popular easily id plants.
Epipactis gigantea can be seen from Highway 1 near Revelstoke, if you know where to look. It is much more common, though (and easier to find) south of the border.
Here's a photo from 5 years ago (plus a day), taken of Epipactis gigantea in Zion National Park... you can tell how it likes wet feet!
I remember when it seemed everyone wanted Alstroemeria and those who planted it, soon regretted it. Same with Romneya coulteri, California tree poppy.
