I have this plant growing in my backyard and have not seen it before, the leaves look similar to the wild slipper orchid, but the flowers are very diferent. Any thoughts? Im sure its either a weed or something invasive, its been growing inbetwen my interlock patio. The flowers are quite nice and attract a lot of bees.
I'd say Epipactis (Helleborine) as well, given your location. The Online Orchid Species Dictionary will help you pin down which one.
Epipactis in Latin. Helleborine in English. Family of Orchids, Orchidaceae. In Switzerland they are protected. You may want to check for your region. http://www.cherrieswalks.com
Ah, really?! :))) Ok, but I thought on Epipactis helleborine, which is a latin species name... :) P.S.: They (and the whole Orchidaceae family) are here in Hungary also protected! :)
The entire Orchidaceae in Canada is also protected - so don't pull it up, James. Besides, I'd have been thrilled to the bone to find an orchid just growin' in my yard when I lived in Canada....
But it's an invasive species in Canada/USA! http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/epipactishell.html
Thanks everyone for your replies. I guess I will transplant it out of my patio and into the flower bed.