Northern green orchid (Platanthera aquilonis, Lindleyana 14: 193 (1999))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Sheviak

Bibliography: Lindleyana 14: 193 (1999)

Year: 1999

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Platanthera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to N. U.S.A. and New Mexico

Description

The Northern green orchid, scientifically named Platanthera aquilonis, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. First described in detail by Sheviak in a 1999 publication of Lindleyana, this species has etched its presence in various facets of North American flora.

Thriving predominantly in subarctic America, the Northern green orchid’s range extends from the northern parts of the United States down to the more temperate regions of New Mexico. Its adaptation to these diverse climates is a testament to its resilience and ecological versatility. This orchid prefers habitats that offer the balance of northern coolness and moderate warmth, often found in moist meadows, wooded areas, and the edges of streams where the soil remains sufficiently damp.

Characterized by its vibrant green hue, Platanthera aquilonis is distinguishable from close relatives by the unique structure of its flowers. The blooms, which typically appear in late spring to early summer, exhibit a rich green color that harmonizes with the surrounding foliage, making it a subtle yet stunning component of its natural habitat. The flowers are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence, a signature trait of the Platanthera genus, and emit a faint but pleasant fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

The Northern green orchid contributes significantly to its ecosystem, playing an essential role in pollination networks and offering sustenance to various insects. Additionally, its presence can be indicative of the health of the ecosystem, as orchids are often sensitive to environmental changes and pollutants.

Preserving Platanthera aquilonis entails protecting its native habitats from overdevelopment, pollution, and climate change, which are ongoing threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the delicate balance of these environments and ensuring that this intriguing orchid species continues to thrive for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: northern green orchid, tall northern green orchid, eagle rein orchid, green-flowered bog orchid, leafy northern green orchid, north wind bog orchid, northern green bog orchid, sheviak’s bog orchid
Fra: platanthère du nord
En: Northern green orchid, Bog Orchid, Tall northern green orchid, Sheviak’s bog orchid, Eagle rein orchid, Green-flowered bog orchid, Leafy northern green orchid, North wind bog orchid, Northern green bog orchid
Fr: Platanthère du Nord

Synonyms

• Platanthera hyperborea f. alba (M.H.S.Light)
• Limnorchis aquilonis ((Sheviak) Rebrist. & Elven)
• Limnorchis aquilonis f. alba ((M.H.S.Light) P.M.Br., S.L.Stewart & Gamarra)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 20, 2021 by Alper Durmaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Jan Unruh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Jan Unruh (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 4, 2011 by EOL − Ryan Batten (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Aug 18, 2007 by EOL − Tony Frates (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2014 by EOL − James Johnson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2798385)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319330-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Platanthera aquilonis Sheviak)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth