Century-old oaks, bilberries, wild orchids and giant porcini: the flora of the Orléans Forest is remarkably diverse.
The sessile oak is the dominant species. Some specimens are over 300 years old. Its stalkless acorn distinguishes it from the pedunculate oak.
Introduced massively in the 19th century to fix the Gâtinais sands, the Scots pine forms large pinewood stands characteristic of the eastern part of the massif.
The birch quickly colonises clearings and heathland. Its white bark and trembling leaves give it a special charm in autumn.
Omnipresent in acid woodland, bracken can form impressive expanses under the pines. Its spring fiddleheads are characteristic.
Bilberry bushes cover large areas under pines and oaks. Wild bilberry picking is a summer ritual for local residents.
Several species of terrestrial orchid grow in forest clearings and edges, including the common twayblade and helleborine.
The Orléans Forest is a mycological paradise. Here are the main species you can find.
| Species | Season | Habitat | Edibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cep / Porcini | Summer–Autumn | Under oaks and pines | ✅ Excellent |
| Chanterelle | Summer–Autumn | Under deciduous trees | ✅ Excellent |
| Hedgehog mushroom | Autumn | Under deciduous trees | ✅ Good |
| Fly agaric | Summer–Autumn | Under birch and pine | ❌ Toxic |
| Death cap | Summer–Autumn | Under deciduous trees | ☠️ Deadly |