Orchids of Grey and Bruce Counties

This book has been developed as a field guide to orchids of Bruce and Grey Counties. These two counties combined are known to contain 46 orchid species, that is 77% of the species found in Ontario. The Bruce Peninsula alone has 44 of these species, more than are known from any other area of similar size in Ontario, possibly in North America. These two counties contain a wide range of habitats which, in turn, support a great variety of vascular plants. It is well known for the extraordinary diversity of both orchids and ferns, especially on the Bruce Peninsula. Bruce and Grey counties are located in the northern portion of southwestern Ontario. Almost triangular in shape, the area is bordered by Lake Huron on the west and Georgian Bay on the northeast. The area is approximately 8,367 square kilometres and includes 350 kilometres of the Niagara Escarpment with some of the most striking scenery in the province.

An illustrated description of each orchid species is given and tehre are details on flowering times, habitat requirements and distribution in this area and farther afield, as well as general information about the orchid family. The importance of conservation is emphasized. A simplified key is provided for identification. Orchids, like so many other living things which have attracted attention through the ages, have accumulated many names in several different languages. To avoid confusion, plant students and horticulturalists rely on the Latin (scientific) names which accord with internationally agreed rules. In this book the species are listed alphabetically by their Latin names. Many people find English names easier to deal with but these are not so reliable. They vary from one district to another or, sometimes, the same name is used for more than one species. However, English names, known to be in common use in this area, are included for each species. The sources for these names are listed in the references. The use of the technical terms has been minimized as much as possible; those that do occur are found in the glossary.

Accurate identification of most plants relies primarily on the study of the flowers. However, many of our native orchids are either so small or so delicate that such a study could be damaging to the plant. In this book, the key and descriptions have been simplified to allow satisfactory identification "at arm's length" as far as possible. Diagrams for each species will assist in the process. Much of the information on each species relates directly to the Bruce-Grey area. Individual orchid enthusiasts can usefully contribute to local knowledge of these details by making careful observations, notes, photographs, drawings, etc and communicating these with other naturalists and botanists, or to park staff if the location is within a national or provincial park.