Platanthera grandiflora (Bigelow) Lindl.
Greater Purple Fringed Bog Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Blephariglottis grandiflora
Platanthera grandiflora, commonly called Greater Purple Fringed Bog Orchid, is found across the East Coast of the United States and Canada, from Georgia to Quebec. It has 2-6 wide, spreading leaves along its stem and produces a showy inflorescence of multiple bright purple, pink, or rarely white flowers. The labellum is deeply fringed and three-lobed. Primarily a wetland species, it can be found in moist forests and fields, marshes, bogs, and swamps.
Platanthera grandiflora is considered globally secure, but is considered rare or extirpated in several mid-Atlantic states. It is less common than the similar-looking Platanthera psycodes, from which it can be distinguished by its larger flowers and overall size, and by its earlier blooming period. It is known to form a natural hybrid with P. lacera, named P. × keenanii.
Pollination
Swallowtail butterflies such as Papilio glaucus, Papilio polyxenes, Papilio troilus and the moth, Autographa ampla, are documented pollinators while visiting flowers for nectar.
Ecosystem Type
Bogs, disturbed habitats, forests, marshes, meadows, swamps
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- alternate
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- four
- five
- six
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is fringed
- Main color of labellum:
-
- blue to purple
- pink to red
- white
- Nectar spur:
- present
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
-
- the labellum has a spur
- the labellum is fringed
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- 10–25 mm
- Sepal length:
- 6–10 mm
- Plant height:
- 27–120 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | Sensitive |