Platanthera huronensis (Nutt.) Lindl.
Lake Huron Green Bog Orchid, Tall Green Bog Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Habenaria huronensis, Platanthera hyperborea var. huronensis
Platanthera huronensis, commonly called Lake Huron Bog Green Orchid, is distributed across the northeastern United States and Canada and disjunct populations in western Canada, Alaska, and from New Mexico to Wyoming. It produces several stem leaves and bears an inflorescence of whitish green flowers, which can vary greatly in number. The labellum is often paler than the rest of the flower, and is wider at its base than at its tip. The flowers are typically intensely fragrant. It can be found in wet meadows and woodlands, marshes, fens, bogs, and along riverbanks and roadsides. This orchid is thought to have descended from a cross between Platanthera aquilonis and Platanthera dilatata.
Platanthera huronensis is globally secure, but it is considered rare or threatened in several mid-Atlantic states.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been widely reported but small insects, mostly mosquitos, may pollinate this orchid.
Ecosystem Type
Alpine or subalpine zones, bogs, disturbed habitats, fens, marshes, meadows, stream bank, tundra, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
-
- alternate
- stem
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- four
- 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 has a spur
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 5–12 mm
- Sepal length:
- 5–8 mm
- Plant height:
- 10–105 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 | Secure |