Platanthera psycodes (Lesser Purple Fringed Orchid)

Pick an image for a larger view. Most image enlargements are 50-100KB, though some may be larger. See the glossary for icon descriptions.

Detailed Information

Flower:

Lavender to rose-purple (rarely white) irregular flowers, loosely to densely packed in a spike-like raceme up to 10 inches long at the top of the stem. Individual flowers are ½ to ¾ inch long; 3 small petal-like sepals form a hood over the 2 pollen sacs, 2 small lateral petals spread out at the sides. The lower lip is white at the base and distinctly 3 lobed, the tips of each lobe shallowly to deeply fringed, with the middle lobe largest. At the back is a long, slender, curving, purplish spur.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are generally oval to elliptic with pointed tips, toothless, hairless, sheathing the stem, and become progressively smaller as they ascend the stem. At the base of the plant leaves are up to 8½ inches long and 2¾ inches wide; they are reduced to bracts near the flowers. Leaves are alternately attached on the smooth, green stem

Notes:

While the Goodyera orchids appear to be perpetually in song, the Platanthera (fringed orchids) appear to me to be perpetually dancing. Minnesota is at the western edge of the range for Purple Fringed Orchid; it is most likely to be found in forests and wetlands from the northern edge of the Metro to north central counties and the Arrowhead, as well as the southeast corner of the state.

More photos

• Lesser Purple Fringed Orchid plant
• more flowers

Photos by K. Chayka taken near Interstate State Park, August 2009. Other photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in northern Aitkin County.

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?