When it comes to flowers, most people agree that orchids are pretty gorgeous. Elegant, decorative, and vibrant, they are usually a perfect addition to any room; and no matter how hard they may or may not be to care for, the reward they provide in an aesthetically-pleasing surrounding outweighs any work required.

North Carolina is home to dozens of native orchids, ranging from vibrant pink to yellow to orange, abundant to threatened to endangered. Each is as elegant as the next in its own unique way, yet different enough to garner renewed interest with each viewing.

A popular orchid choice, the Pink Lady’s Slipper features fuzzy leaves and stem and a single wide, drooping pink bloom. The yellow version, of course, features the same plant with a bold shade of yellow rather than pink.

The Puttyroot, which blooms from May to June, features delicate pink flowers atop a long green stem. The tiny flowers are arranged in groups of three, clustered around the top of the otherwise uncluttered stem in a display of stark beauty.

Spring coral root is a truly unique orchid. A blazing red stem lines the center of the flower, and tiny yet striking white flowers covered with red dots line it from all sides. This unconventional, bold flower makes a brave addition to common gardens as well as an interesting conversation piece.

Bog rose orchids are a shocking shade of pink. Their brightness can sometimes be diluted but nonetheless eye-catching in paler shades of violet. They feature lovely drooping petals and an inner array of wild-looking spots.

Bearded grass pink orchids depict a showier display. Their flowers are spread wide in lovely reaching arcs, with groups of three usually centered around a single beautiful bloom. Colors can come in pale pink to vivid fuchsia to a graceful, swanlike white.

Grass pink orchids flare out in a similar display, though not as crowded. These flowers are arranged in a more linear fashion down the stem rather than in a circular pattern.

 The showy lady’s slipper features a very unique color arrangement. While some are simply bright white, others feature three white petals—the single top and two side petals—surrounding a single, lower bold pink petal.

Yellow fringed orchids feature a similar arrangement to the hyacinth. This sunny arrangement of multiple blooms flowering at the top of the stem often looks more orange than yellow and is sure to add some cheer to any room.

For many more orchids and their properties, visit the North Carolina Native Plant Society.