Platanthera nivea (Nutt) Luer
Snowy Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Habenaria nivea
Platanthera nivea, commonly known as Snowy Orchid, is distributed in the southeastern United States from Texas to Florida and in the southern mid-Atlantic region as far north as New Jersey. It produces 1-3 leaves along its stem, and bears a dense inflorescence of multiple bright white, small, non-resupinate flowers. The labellum, which points upwards from the column, is linear and somewhat elongated, and a long, cylindrical spur extends out from the back of the flower. It is found primarily in moist woodlands and meadows, bogs, swamps, and pine barrens.
Platanthera nivea is globally considered secure, although it is considered rare or vulnerable throughout much of its range. It can form substantial colonies of numerous plants, even in areas where it is considered uncommon.
Pollination
This orchid is pollinated by butterflies and skippers, including Lerema accius. The polllinia attach to the proboscis as the insect probes for nectar then pollen is transferred to the next flower it visits.
Ecosystem Type
Bogs, fens, floodplains, meadows, swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- alternate
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- one
- two
- three
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
- white
- Nectar spur:
- present
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
-
- the labellum has a spur
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 3–8 mm
- Sepal length:
- 5–6 mm
- Plant height:
- 17–90 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 | N/A |