Now, you KNOW, I just about passed out when we came upon this in the woods.  This flower stalk stands about 2 feet tall.  Had to use the Seek app to identify it, because I'd never seen one before.  

 

So I looked it up in the Wildflower books, and this is what I found:  Its botanical name is Platanthera ciliaris.  And it's in the Orchid family.  These native orchids grow in peaty or wet, sandy woods, thickets, and dry meadows and slopes, from New York to Florida, and west to Texas, and bloom from July to September.  That makes me think they are common, but

 

My wildflower book says this:  "Please do not dig or cut!"  That tells me they are rare and/or endangered.  

 

I hope you you get to see a yellow fringed orchid when you're out in the woods; it was very exciting!!!

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!