Epipactus Helleborine

Epipactus helleborine
Orchidaceae
Rebecca Lhermitte, Berkeley
This European ground orchid is “weedily spontaneous” in Marin gardens prior to 1970, according to Thomas Howell in Marin Flora. It is in many locations through the Bay Area now. It apparently spreads by wind borne seed and is not noticed until a mature plant bursts into bloom with its multi-colored brown, green and yellow 2 cm. flowers. It usually occurs in shade and does not impact other vegetation very much, so is not a nuisance. I doubt if it can be transplanted.