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Stream Orchid Epipactis gigantea This is the most commonly encountered orchid of the Pacific Coast, but it is listed as a species of local concern, rare within Orange County. It is uncommon and scattered in wet shady places and seeps in oak and riparian woodlands mostly along San Juan Canyon, also Dripping Springs in Limestone Canyon (closed to the public even on open access days) and Lomas de Santiago (Roberts).
The fruit is a hanging 1 inch capsule. It was used for medicinal purposes by native Americans. Flowering - March-October. Back to Orchidaceae of Orange County, California |
 The flower bracts are leaf-like. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
 The 3 sepals are yellowish-green or light brownish with darker veins. The upper two petals are described as brownish, reddish, or dull purple, with purple veins. The lip petal, a brighter red-brown with bolder veins and areas of yellow, is cup-shaped with erect wing-like margins and a tongue-like protuberance. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
 San Juan Cr. and base Lion Cyn., 6-6-13. © Ron Vanderhoff |
 Tenaja Falls Trail, San Mateo Wilderness, Riverside Co., CA. 7-4-11. © Joan Avise |
 A 1-3 ft. tall stout herb with larger basal and alternate, parallel-veined, 2 to 6 in. long upper leaves sheathing the stem. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
 Inflorescences are spikes with showy 1/2 in. flowers along the stem. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co., CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise |
