Platanthera convallariifolia (Fisch. ex Lindl.) Lindl.

Bog Orchid, Cornflower

Facts About

Accepted synonyms: Habenaria convallariifolia, Limnorchis convallariifolia, Orchis convallariifolia, Platanthera hyperborea var. convallariifolia

Platanthera convallariifolia, commonly known as Bog Orchid or Cornflower, has a range that extends from Alaska's Prince William Sound, through the Aleutians, to Kamchatka and northern Japan. It grows in wet meadows, tundra, marshes, fens, stream banks, shores, and seeping slopes. The height ranges from 15 to 100 cm with lance-shaped leaves that clasp the single stout stem. The spike has fragrant, moderately dense whitish-green or greenish-yellow flowers. The lateral sepals are spreading. The labellum is descending and lance-shaped. The nectar spur is 2/3 to slightly shorter than the labellum. There is some dispute that specimens from the Aleutians identified as Platanthera convallariifolia may actually be a form of P. huronensis.

Pollination

Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.

Ecosystem Type

Fens, marshes, meadows, stream bank, tundra

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:
  • green to brown
  • white
  • yellow
Nectar spur:
present
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum is simple
Labellum length:
4–9 mm
Plant height:
15–100 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 N/A
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data