US Postal Service to Issue
Wild Orchids Forever Stamp

To create a collection of stamps that celebrate the beauty of native orchids, the US Postal Service called upon the talents of SCNPS member Jim Fowler, a talented photographer and knowledgeable botanist, author of Wild Orchids of South Carolina, a Popular Natural History, Orchids, Carnivorous Plants, and Other Wildflowers of the Green Swamp, NC, and a fascinating blog.

Each stamp features a photograph of one of these nine species: Cypripedium californicum, Hexalectris spicata, Cypripedium reginae, Spiranthes odorata, Triphora trianthophoros, Platanthera grandiflora, Cyrtopodium polyphyllum, Calopogon tuberosus, and Platanthera leucophaea. Within the booklet, each stamp design is featured twice. The Wild Orchids stamps will be issued with 10 stamp designs in booklets of 20 and coils of 3,000 and 10,000.

News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtags #OrchidStamps and #FlowerStamps.

Orchids are beloved by plant experts and casual flower lovers alike for their gorgeous colors, unusual look and delicate features.

Part of the largest family of plants on Earth, orchids grow in many climates and thrive under a variety of conditions. There are more than 30,000 species of wild orchids in the world, with more than 100 species native to North America.

Many orchids native to North America are endangered or threatened, making sightings in their natural environment increasingly rare. These striking flowers are native to damp woodlands and numerous organizations across the country are working to preserve their habitats. Orchids also thrive in cultivated gardens or as houseplants.

Jim will speak briefly at a dedication ceremony in Coral Gables, FL, on Feb 21, 2020, and the stamps are scheduled to be released that day. Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.