Orchid or yellow flag iris? :)

leifus · #1 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 08:21 PM

I found a plant in the middle of an ancient wood today. There wasn't a flower yet. Leaves were about 30cm long and looked like those of the yellow flag iris but someone said it was an autumn orchid...??? - do they even exist. There were a few clumps of it.

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 08:58 PM

If the leaves were Iris like, then quite possibly Iris foetidissima which is a woodland plant + also garden escape. It doesn't sound like an orchid from your description.

Bub-les · #3 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 08:59 PM

most likely its the iris but a photo would help confirm it.
Barbara

ceterach · #4 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 09:59 PM

Certainly not an "autumn" orchid with leaves that large at this time of year. Most likely as Aeshna suggested Iris foetidissima

Autumn or late summer woodland orchids are mostly Epipactis species, the Helleborines.

John