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Mysterious Orchid? #753395

Asked June 01, 2021, 7:59 PM EDT

Hello - In 3 years, I have yet to see this plant pop up. It's in a shaded area where perennials like ferns and hostas are. Doing some research, it looks like an orchid? Would like to confirm. Thanks, Aaron

Henrico County Virginia

Expert Response

I don't think it is an orchid.  It looks like it could be some type of lily.  I reached out to several other Horticulture agents, and they concur.  

It looks like it is producing a flower spike, please submit another picture when it is flowering and we may be able to confirm the ID.
Ed Olsen Replied June 02, 2021, 10:48 AM EDT

I am taking another look at this.  I will get back to your shortly.  

Ed Olsen Replied June 02, 2021, 3:13 PM EDT
Coincidentally late yesterday I received a notice from the herbarium at Virginia Tech about an invasive orchid called Broad-leaved helleborine (Epipactis helleborine).  Apparently it is now becoming a problem in Virginia and I hadn't heard about it until now.  I shared your picture with them and they said that this is what it is.  

This is a difficult to control weed.  Now would be the best time to dig out the weed making sure that you get roots and rhizomes.  The best herbicide to use, if you go that route, is one containing glyphospate and it may take repeat applications (because of the stored food in the rhizomes) to kill it.
Ed Olsen Replied June 03, 2021, 9:22 AM EDT
Ok thanks Ed. I'll dig it up. Any other concerns/mitigation or just toss it? I don't need to flame-thrower the garden bed?

Aarn

On Thu, Jun 3, 2021 at 9:22 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 9:34 AM EDT
Just toss it in trash (don't compost).  Keep an eye out for others to sprout...maybe look over the fence into your neighbors yard to see where the seed may have come from.
Ed Olsen Replied June 03, 2021, 9:47 AM EDT

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