Pronounced: plat-an-THER-uh loo-koh-FEE-uh (botanical Latin guide)
An upright native orchid with white, intricately fringed flowers above narrow stem leaves.
Photograph by Where’s Wildlife. Tap to browse the photos.
Family: Orchidaceae
Bloom: June–July in the Upper Midwest; varies by location
Height: 1–4 feet
Habitat: Moist prairies, sedge meadows, fens and marshes
Other common names: Prairie White Fringed Orchid
Scientific synonyms: Blephariglottis leucophaea
Bloom timing and height vary by location.
01 · White flowers with a deeply divided, fringed lower lip
02 · Long slender nectar spur behind each flower
03 · Several narrow leaves along an upright flowering stem
Moist prairies, sedge meadows, fens and marshes. Look for flowers during june–july in the upper midwest; varies by location.
Include a front view of the fringed lip, a side view of the spur, and a wider view showing the leaves.
Long-tongued hawkmoths carry pollen as they reach into the flower’s nectar spur.
A side view shows the long spur, which is easy to miss in a front-facing photograph.
The deeply fringed lip and toothed side petals help separate this orchid from similar species.
Observe from firm footing and leave plants undisturbed. Wet prairie orchids depend on intact habitat.
Midwestern and parts of eastern North America, including Ontario.
Observation maps show reported sightings, not the complete native range. Some recorded populations may be historical.
