Platanthera yosemitensis Colwell, Sheviak & P.E.Moore

Yosemite Bog Orchid

Facts About

Accepted Synonym: Limnorchis yosemitensis

Platanthera yosemitensis, the Yosemite Bog Orchid, is endemic to Yosemite National Park in California. The leaves are long, tapered, ascending and cluster at the base of the stem which distinguishes this species from other Platantheras found in the area. The inflorescence is a lax spike of 30-50 small, sessile flowers. The lateral petals and dorsal sepal form a hood over the very small rounded column and the labellum is a clear yellow with a sac-like spur. This orchid has a pungent, musk fragrance that may attract mosquitoes or flies for pollination. P. yosemitensis grows in wet meadows dominated by dense, herbaceous vegetation in partial shade cast by coniferous forests.

Platanthera yosemitensis is considered imperiled with several populations of extremely small size that puts this orchid at risk of extirpation. Other threats include meadow succession and recreational activities.

Pollination

Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported but its scent and flower morphology suggest mosquito or fly pollination.

Ecosystem Type

Meadows

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
stem
Number of leaves on stem:
  • five
  • six
  • seven or more
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is simple
Main color of labellum:
yellow
Nectar spur:
present
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a spike
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum has a spur
Labellum length:
4–6 mm
Plant height:
20–80 cm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank Imperiled
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data