Western prairie fringed orchid

CBC News reported this week that highway maintenance crews in Manitoba inadvertently mowed down a patch of western prairie fringed orchid on Monday. The flowers, which were in full bloom, are endangered and found only in a 50 km area.

Although "penalties for disturbing the flower can include a fine of $5,000 or six months in jail", charges are not being considered as the incident was accidental. A photo and more information about the western prairie fringed orchid can be found on the Environment Canada Species at Risk web site for Platanthera praeclara.