Is there anything else so beautiful? Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum). A trek in Shenandoah National Park is pure joy no matter what, but add a sighting of this native orchid and I’m more than elated. But it’s not just in Virginia.

This species of Yellow Lady’s slipper can be found in much of North America from Newfoundland to British Columbia, and Washington, all the way south to Georgia, and Arizona.  Even in New Mexico it can occasionally be found in moist conifer forests, at elevations between 5,750 and 11,000 ft. And in the garden? Bad news. A favorite of deer.