One-leaf Rein Orchis

(Platanthera obtusata)

 

   

 

 

G.C. Oeder et al., 1761-1874. Flora Danica.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

One-leaf Rein Orchis (Platanthera obtusata [Banks ex Pursh] Lindl.)

Identification: Flowers small, green-white with long rear spur. Lower petal elongate, unfringed, and pointed at the apex. Lateral petals unfringed. Upper petal concave, helmet- shaped. Flowers arranged in a tight, terminal raceme. Middle of stem naked, without leaves. Bottom of stem with and single elongate-ovate leaf. Plant 4 to 14 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout Canada southward to the northern parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York and New England. Occurs in the Rocky Mountain region and the northwestern United States. The species is also found in northern Europe and Asia.

Habitat: One-leaf Rein Orchis is found in mossy bogs and wet, shady woods.

Flowering period: June to September.

Similar Species: The combination of the long flower spur, elongate, pointed lower petal, and single basal leaf will identify this species.

Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved.