Orchidaceae: Platanthera psycodes (L.) Lindley
(small purple fringed orchid)
The small purple fringed orchid is a tall (30-80 cm), slender plant bearing a
raceme of purple flowers. Leaves are elliptic
or oval. The lip of the flower is in 3 parts, fringed, and about as long as wide. The spur is club shaped and slender.
The flower tips fade giving a two-toned appearance. These orchids grow in a variety of habitats and wet areas.
In Nova Scotia it flowers "around the first of August and continues to mid-month".1 Native to eastern North America south to Georgia; in Canada, from
Manitoba to Newfoundland.
Sources | Notes | Selected Web Resources | Line Drawing
Click on images for larger versions.
| July 25, 2005. Digby County: Brier Island. Photographer: Ocotillo. | |
These plants were growing in a previously burned over field. |
|
| August 2, 2007. Halifax County: Hartland Point. Photographer: Heather Drope. | |
Typical form. |
Uncommon white form. |
Selected Web Resources
- Taxonomic Status (ITIS) Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this ITIS Canada page to confirm the nomenclature and list synonyms.
- NatureServe Explorer Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this page to view a map of its distribution within North America and its conservation status by province and state.
- Flora of North America: Platanthera
Notes
- Munden, C. 1999. Native orchids of Nova Scotia. A field guide. University College of Cape Breton Press Inc.
Page posted 7 Oct. 2007. Modified 7 Dec. 2008.
Copyright © Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society & Photographers