Rare or invasive? I found a Helleborine orchid (Epipactics helleborine) growing up through the brick edging of my garden. To say the least, I was thrilled since I love orchids. After some research, I found that this garden wonder can be tenacious and grow most everywhere including in gravel and some folks claim it to be invasive. In Wisconsin, it has started taking over undisturbed habitat. In its native habitat, in the south of France it is protected. It is also found in England where it is considered a rarity.

It really is quite beautiful with a small tower of green buds which open to a star shaped flower with a tinge of purple and the bulb lip of an orchid. It is a very curious plant since I couldn't find it in my wildflower book under pink or purple-blue flowers. I finally went back to the green, brown section and found it. The books says it is found in SE Canada an NE US. It is usually growing under foliage. Very interesting.

I now have three types of wild orchids on my land. Pink Lady Slippers, Purple-fringed orchids, and this helleborine.

So, should I pull it up or nurture it?