Modoc bog orchid (Platanthera stricta, Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 288 (1835))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Lindl.

Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 288 (1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Platanthera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Aleutian Is. to W. U.S.A.

Description

The Modoc bog orchid, scientifically known as Platanthera stricta, is a remarkable member of the Orchidaceae family. Originally described by Lindl. in the seminal work “Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.” in 1835, this elegant plant has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

This species has a widespread distribution range, extending from the Aleutian Islands down through the western regions of the United States. It thrives in moist environments, often found in boggy or wetland areas, which provide the perfect conditions for its growth.

Characterized by its slender and upright stance, the Modoc bog orchid exhibits a refined beauty consistent with other orchids in its genus. The plant typically showcases a striking floral spike adorned with numerous small, greenish-yellow flowers. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also play a critical role in the ecosystem, attracting various pollinators essential for the plant’s reproduction.

In the wild, the presence of Platanthera stricta is often considered an indicator of a healthy, undisturbed wetland habitat. This makes it an important species for ecological studies and conservation efforts. Botanists and ecologists continue to monitor populations of the Modoc bog orchid to better understand its ecological requirements and to ensure its preservation amidst changing environmental conditions.

The Modoc bog orchid stands as a testament to the diversity and intricacy of plant life within the Orchidaceae family. Its graceful appearance and ecological significance make it a species worthy of admiration and protection.

Common Names

Eng: modoc bog orchid, slender bog orchid, slender rein orchid
Fra: platanthère à capsule dressée
En: Modoc bog orchid, SLENDER BOGORCHID, Slender bog orchid, Slender rein orchid
Fr: Platanthère à capsule dressée

Synonyms

• Limnorchis saccata ((Greene) Á.Löve & W.Simon)
• Platanthera gracilis (Lindl.)
• Platanthera hyperborea var. viridiflora ((Cham.) Kitam.)
• Platanthera dolichorrhiza ((Fisch. ex Lindl.) Rchb.f.)
• Platanthera hyperborea var. gracilis ((Lindl.) Luer)
• Limnorchis gracilis ((Lindl.) Rydb.)
• Limnorchis stricta ((Lindl.) Rydb.)
• Limnorchis viridiflora ((Cham.) Rydb.)
• Habenaria saccata var. gracilis ((Lindl.) B.Boivin)
• Habenaria borealis var. viridiflora (Cham.)
• Platanthera saccata ((Greene) Hultén)
• Platanthera dilatata var. gracilis (Ledeb.)
• Platanthera hyperborea var. dilatatoides (Hultén)
• Platanthera stricta var. gracilis ((Lindl.) Hultén)
• Platanthera dilatata var. viridiflora ((Cham.) Ledeb.)
• Habenaria neomexicana (Tidestr.)
• Orchis dolichorhiza (Fisch. ex Lindl.)
• Habenaria saccata (Greene)
• Habenaria convallariifolia var. dilatatoides ((Hultén) B.Boivin)
• Habenaria septentrionalis (Tidestr.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Oregon (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Jason Hollinger (cc-by)

Taken Feb 1, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 13, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 13, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jul 5, 2009 by EOL − Andy Kraemer (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ripley, J.D. (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2798146)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:651916-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Platanthera stricta Lindl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth