Family: Orchidaceae
Author: (L.) Lindl.
Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 293 (1835)
Year: 1835
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Platanthera
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to EC. & SE. U.S.A.
Description
The Palegreen orchid, known scientifically as Platanthera flava, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. This delicate orchid boasts a subtle elegance, characterized by its pale green flowers which gracefully blend into their natural surroundings. First classified in the early 19th century by the botanist Lindley, this orchid has been documented in notable botanical references since 1835.
This orchid species is widely observed across a geographical range extending from Eastern Canada down through the Eastern and Southeastern regions of the United States. The Palegreen orchid’s presence in these areas highlights its adaptability to various local environments from the temperate to more varied climates of North America.
Growing predominantly in moist environments, such as wetlands and meadows, the Palegreen orchid flourishes in conditions that provide ample water and light without exposure to harsh extremes. It tends to thrive in acidic soils, benefiting from a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which aids in nutrient absorption and overall plant health.
Distinctive for its slender, erect stem, the Palegreen orchid typically reaches modest heights, enabling it to blend harmoniously into its habitat. Its flowers, though subtle in coloration, offer intricate patterns upon closer inspection, with a delicate arrangement of petals that enchant orchid enthusiasts and botanists alike.
Given its specific habitat requirements and the increasing threats to wetland environments, conservation efforts are vital to ensure the continued survival of Platanthera flava. Preservation of its natural habitats and the careful monitoring of populations are essential strategies to protect this exquisite orchid from the challenges posed by habitat loss and environmental changes.
Through its understated beauty and ecological significance, the Palegreen orchid serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity that thrives in even the most seemingly inconspicuous corners of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: palegreen orchid, southern rein orchid, pale green orchid, tubercled orchid, gypsy-spikes, pale-green orchid, small pale-green orchid
Fra: platanthère à gorge tuberculée variété petite-herbe, platanthère jaune, habénaire jaune
En: Palegreen orchid, Pale-Green Orchid, Pale-green Orchis, Rein Orchid, Southern Rein Orchid, Southern Tubercled Orchid, Tubercled Orchid, Pale green orchid, Gypsy-spikes, Small pale-green orchid
Fr: Platanthère à gorge tuberculée variété petite-herbe, Platanthère jaune, Habénaire jaune
Synonyms
- Orchis flava (L.)
- Tulotis flava ((L.) Senghas)
- Habenaria flava ((L.) R.Br. ex Spreng.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bill Summers (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 8, 2020 by George Annette (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 1, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Phelps, H.J. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2798014)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1045555-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Platanthera flava (L.) Lindl.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
