Epipactis is a genus in the Orchidaceae family.
Epipactis gigantea, grows from a rhizome that gradually expands and therefore can be included in our wiki. It has a common name of stream orchid and it is one of the easier orchids to cultivate. It is native to the Pacific States of the United States where it is found in year round seeps or at the margins of springs, streams, and lakes. It needs good drainage and year round water and dappled shade. It can be grown in a container, but should never be allowed completely to dry out even when dormant. Although it grows in areas with winter rainfall, it does not appear until spring and then flowers in the summer. This photo by Bob Rutemoeller was taken in the wild where this plant was found near a river in Northern California. During the winter it is likely occasionally covered with water when the river is high, but the water had retreated and it was blooming in July 2003.
In the Cedars in Northern California which in a serpentine area there are specimens known as forma rubrifolia with purple leaves. Photos by Bob Rutemoeller in habitat showing the two colors of leaves and one just of the purple leaves. Cultivars 'Serpentine Night' and 'Serpentine Candy' were probably originally selected from this geographic location.
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