10 images as of July 14 2026
Montana has a few oddball plants that do not photosynthesize, but pull nutrients from other plants or fungi. Some are fully parasitc, while others just need a boost to get going and then photosynthesize.
Calypso Orchid, a.k.a. Eastern Fairy Slipper
This one is Calypso bulbosa var. americana. Found in a few select damp places in May. This one was at the Tenmile Environmental trail. May 31, 2026.
Fairy Slippers are not strictly parasitic, but they do require nutrients from a host fungus to get started growing.
Coralroot, Pacific or Merten’s
Found this along the Continental Divide Trail in June 2026
Sundew, English or Great
This plant is growing along a private landowner’s bog in the Yaak Valley. This a Species of Concern in Montana. From July 2026 in the forests around the Yaak.
Sundew, Roundleaf
This one is was found near the fronge of a lake below Morrell Falls in July 2026.