Wild orchids evoke a particular and sometimes addictive fascination among naturalists, botanists, and wildflower enthusiasts. With few exceptions, these singular plants cannot be moved and propagated successfully, and so to ensure their survival, they must be protected and sought out in their native habitats. This definitive guide facilitates their discovery and enjoyment.

The book covers all orchids growing wild in New England, New York and adjacent areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey; includes an illustrated key to the genera, keys to the species, and a checklist of the northeastern orchids; describes 71 orchid species and varieties, provides a drawing of each, and supplies information on more than 50 forms and hybrids; features 192 full-color photographs of the orchids in their native habitats, along with 71 distribution maps; and suggests where to find the orchids.