Platanthera lacera (Ragged Fringed Orchid)

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flowers are sparsely to densely packed in a 2 to 6-inch spike at the top of the plant. Individual flowers are ½ to ¾ inch long, whitish green, pale green or yellowish green, irregularly shaped. At the top of the flower, forming a hood, are 2 narrow rounded petals covered by a green sepal; 2 more larger sepals curl down behind the flower. Under the hood are 2 small yellowish tubular stigma. The lower petal is the showiest part of the flower, about ½ inch wide and usually paler than the rest of the flower. It is lobed in 3 parts—2 side lobes that extend outward and 1 that extends down, each lobe deeply divided into fringed sections. There is a long spur at the back of the flower that curves down behind the lower petal.

Leaves:

Leaves at the base of the plant are up to 5 inches long and 1 inch wide, quickly becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. The upper leaves are more densely packed and about 1 inch long. Leaves have a prominent center vein, faint parallel veins, a blunt point at the tip and sheath the main stem at the base.

Notes:

This is one of 43 species of orchid native to Minnesota. There are other fringed orchids, but those are pure white, purple or yellow.

More photos

• Ragged Fringed Orchid plant, about 18 inches tall
• more flowers

Photos taken at Pioneer Park, Blaine, MN July 2008

Comments

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