A Lesson in Micro-climate

 Photo of Corallorhiza maculata, Spotted Coralroot, taken on May 8, 2013.

Photo of Corallorhiza maculata, taken on May 11, 2013.  The upper photo was taken in a shady spot, but on a South-facing slope.  The lower photo taken in an equally shady spot, but on a North-facing slope.  Both at 3,400 feet elevation.  There's approximately a month's difference in their blooming time.  I live 100' from where the second photo was taken.  It's no wonder the local nicknames for our little neighborhood are "The Cold Spot" and "Pneumonia Gulch."