Includes 75 species of Orchids native to North America, north of Mexico. Includes 15 Lady Slippers (Cypripedium sp.), 15 Bog/Fringed orchids (Platanthera and Habenaria sp.), 8 Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes sp.) and more.  Folding guide is waterproof and great for hiking and identification.  Brief descriptions of each species, illustrated. This is an excellent guide that can be easily used in the field to identify native wild orchids. The images are beautiful and accurate. Highly recommended. This guide, featuring 75 species of native orchids of North America, combines detailed illustrations and descriptions, for  identification purposes. Preservation of the environment where our native orchids live is important to their survival, and to that of many other plants and insects. Many orchids are threatened or endangered in their native habitat by the developemnt of natural areas, threats to their pollinator species, and climate changes. We can find  orchid speices in botanical gardens, nature preserves, and natural settings. Some are seen along roadsides, in fields, forests, bogs, and wetalnds. Orchids have relationships with pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, moths, and even birds. Their interdependence supports the survival and diversity of both plant and animal species within ecosysytems. Some orchids have unique relationships with fungi in the soil. This influences nutrient recycling within ecosystems. A Folding Guide to Familiar Species North of Mexico. 75 speices of native orchids are illustrated and described to aid with identification. North America, north of Mexico, is home to more than 200 native speices of orchids that can be found in the wild. Many orchids are threatened in their habitat. Native Orchids are: Indicatiors of ecosystem health, contributors to biodiversity, help create and maintain habitats for a wide variety of organisms, nutrient recyclers. Mary Ruden is a botanical artist and sculptor. She taught art at several colleges in the south before pursuing  a full-time career in art. Her focus is on environmental subjects that are important and historical. Her large scale outdoor sculptures are in several states and her bronze statues have been displayed at city hall and in front of government buildings. She has participated in  eductaional displys at the US Botanic Garden, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and several state parks.