North America is home to approximately 200 native orchid species. They grow wild across the country and can be hard to spot. especially in swamps. bogs. and wetlands.
In 2020. the United States Postal Service issued a set of 10 new Forever stamps picturing wild orchids of America. They showcased nine different species: the three birds (pictured twice). California lady's slipper. crested coralroot. showy lady's slipper. marsh lady's tresses. eastern prairie fringed. greater purple fringed. grass pink. and yellow cowhorn orchids. Each is a beautiful wildflower most people do not get the opportunity to see. They are all hard to find today.
All orchid species are vulnerable to environmental changes and habitat loss. This is because they depend on specific animals and fungi to survive. Most species are found only in wetlands. which are quickly disappearing. One organization working to protect and restore native orchids is the North American Orchid Conservation Center. It is jointly operated by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the US Botanic Garden. With their nationwide work. there is hope for our native wild orchids yet.
It may be tempting to dig up a wild orchid. but this is the last thing you should do. They are very sensitive to change. and in order to preserve them for future generations. it is important to look. not touch. You will appreciate the beauty and wonder of wild orchids even more knowing the only way to enjoy them is by getting out and exploring nature.
Product Specs:
Issue: Wild Orchids Stamps
Item Number: 682500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 21. 2020. Coral Gables. FL 33134
Art Director: Ethel Kessler. Bethesda. MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler. Bethesda. MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler. Bethesda. MD
Existing Photos: Jim Fowler. Greenville. SC
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 500.000.000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper. Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.558 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.226 x 23.114 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 2.375 x 5.743 in./60.325 x 145.872 mm
Colors: Cyan. Magenta. Yellow. Black
Plate Size: 800 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: WILD ORCHIDS Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • ©2019 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • Promo-tional text in peel strip area • Plate number in peel strip area
Shipping Information:
Shipping Method: USPS First Class & USPS Priority Mail.
Handling time: Usually around 2-3 business days.
Delivery time: Usually around 3-5 business days.
If you have any question or concerns. pls contact us via email first. we will reply in 24 hours and resolve your problem.
Please put your order detail: order number. recipient name in the message. so that we can find out your order quickly.
Thank you :)