Leaf and fruit structure like orchid family

I’d say Galearis spectabilis. A lovely native orchid. Be care when photographing these: their roots break easily if you step near them and they don’t recover well.

Same plant, about a year later.

It might be Galearis, but I can't see any flower structure with this (from ) photo. Can you get another side view that clearly shows the flowers?

Thanks Jay, the Viginia Pennywort is growing a few feet from this. These are on a slope behind my mt. home. It has healthy populations of bloodroot, trilliums, american columbo, carolina phlox, rue anemone and others. Puts on a pretty good early spring show.

This is the only other pic I have. Will most likely be spent before I get to return. There were bear tracks everywhere and it was rummaging for something on the ground, I believe the bear flattened this particular plant at some point.

I think Jay was correct. A Galearis, maybe spectabilis.

tj

ETA- I see mac ID’d it last year..

Yes, that is the Showy Orchis, Galearis spectabilis. It is common in the Southern Appalachian Mtns. Deer can finish off the flowers too.

Macranthos identified it. I was just going by what was already presumed.

Old Forester, your surroundings sound heavenly. I've never seen Frasera caroliniensis for real, but it's a goal I have. Same family as the Virginia Pennywort, but oh what a difference!

Even found several Gentiana saponaria. Fortunate enough to have a few acres of relatively undisturbed land - I hold it dear. Every year I still do battle with english ivy, periwinkle and privet of various kinds that are constantly invading the area - sad. Will try to get some pics - if timing is right of the Frasera blooming, its quite a sight! The first time I saw it was like WTH ! figured it was some new invasive I was going to need to deal with.

Wonderful!

You have so many wonderful ephemerals.

Its all about timimg. Every time I go, I discover plants that have different bloom times. The Golden Alexanders have been there for years without me noticing them !