Written text and photos by: Susan Nygaard
The second OSIG event of the 2026 season focused on Arethusa bulbosa, or the Dragon’s Mouth orchid, which is one of the more exotic and diminutive native orchids in our area.
While relatively common throughout the region, its habitat is often difficult to access. The site we visited along the south shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin offered a rare chance to see it up close. Although some of the orchids had been damaged by recent weather, most were in good shape, with several specimens still in bud-stage.
(ANPE members making their way through the bog)
Four members joined trip leader Susan Nygaard in walking on floating sedge mats for about an hour in near-perfect weather. Only one of us ended up with wet feet!
We also saw bog laurel, bog rosemary, pitcher plant, bladderwort, sundew, cotton grass, and bog bean. We also heard the distinctive calls of Sandhill Cranes and Wilson’s Snipe.
If you want to register for the OSIG (Orchid Special Interest Group) email list and receive notice of future trips, fill out this form. Upcoming events will feature the State Flower, the Showy Lady Slipper, and the Purple Fringed Orchid.
Arrowhead Native Plant Explorers 