Dactylorhiza viridis (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase

Frog Orchid, Long Bracted Green Orchid

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Coeloglossum viride, Platanthera viridis

Dactylorhiza viridis, also known as the Frog Orchid, has one of the widest global distributions of any orchid: it is found across Eurasia, Canada, and the United States, from Alaska to North Carolina. It produces multiple green flowers, with the petals and labellum often suffused with red or brown. The large floral bracts usually extend beyond the small, inconspicuous flowers; in addition, the green color of the petals and labellum means that the flowers themselves can be hard to distinguish. The dorsal sepal curves to form a hood over the labellum. It prefers moist habitats, growing in wet coniferous forests, tundras, prairies, meadows, and bogs.

Dactylorhiza viridis is considered globally secure and is well established throughout much of Canada, although it may be rare in a few mid-Atlantic and New England states.

Pollination

The pollinators of this orchid are unknown in North American populations. Populations in the Faroes are suspected of being autogamous since insects capable of pollinating the flower are limited.

Ecosystem Type

Bogs, disturbed habitats, fens, forests, meadows, shrublands or thickets, swamps, tundra, woodlands

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
alternate
Number of leaves on stem:
  • two
  • three
  • four
  • five
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is lobed
Main color of labellum:
  • green to brown
  • pink to red
Nectar spur:
present
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
  • the labellum has a spur
  • the labellum is lobed
Labellum length:
3–10 mm
Sepal length:
3–8 mm
Plant height:
6–80 cm
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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 Secure
US Status N/A
Canadian Status Secure

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data