Status:
valid
Authors:
Lindl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1835
Citation Micro:
Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl. : 285 (1835)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000274432
Common Names
- Platanthera elegans
- Elegant Platanthera
- Platanthera
Synonyms
- Piperia elegans Rydb. [unknown]
- Habenaria elegans (Lindl.) Bol. [unknown]
- Habenaria maritima Greene [illegitimate]
Description
Platanthera elegans (also called Elegant Orchid, among many other common names) is a species of orchid that is native to the eastern United States and Canada. It has a single, erect stem with a single, terminal, white flower. It is found in wet meadows, bogs, and wet woods.
Uses & Benefits
Platanthera elegans is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used as a hedge plant in some areas. It is also used for medicinal purposes and as a source of food.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Platanthera elegans sub. elegans
Platanthera elegans sub. decurtata (Rand.Morgan & Glic.) R.M.Bateman
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Platanthera elegans has white to pinkish-white flowers with a yellow-green center. The flowers are about 1 cm long and have a sweet scent. The seed is small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Platanthera elegans is a perennial herb that can be propagated from seed or division. It prefers a moist, shady position and well-drained soil. It is best to water the plant regularly, but not too much. Pruning is not necessary, but it can be done to shape the plant.
Where to Find Platanthera elegans
Platanthera elegans can be found in North America and parts of Europe.
Platanthera elegans FAQ
What is the scientific name of Platanthera elegans?
Platanthera elegans
What is the common name of Platanthera elegans?
Elegant orchid
What is the natural habitat of Platanthera elegans?
Moist meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands
Species in the Platanthera genus
Platanthera albomarginata,
Platanthera algeriensis,
Platanthera amabilis,
Platanthera andrewsii,
Platanthera angustata,
Platanthera angustilabris,
Platanthera aquilonis,
Platanthera azorica,
Platanthera bakeriana,
Platanthera bhutanica,
Platanthera bicolor,
Platanthera bifolia,
Platanthera blephariglottis,
Platanthera blumei,
Platanthera boninensis,
Platanthera borneensis,
Platanthera brevicalcarata,
Platanthera brevifolia,
Platanthera calderoniae,
Platanthera canbyi,
Platanthera channellii,
Platanthera chapmanii,
Platanthera chlorantha,
Platanthera chorisiana,
Platanthera ciliaris,
Platanthera clavellata,
Platanthera contigua,
Platanthera convallariifolia,
Platanthera correllii,
Platanthera cristata,
Platanthera deflexilabella,
Platanthera densa,
Platanthera devolii,
Platanthera dilatata,
Platanthera elegans,
Platanthera elliptica,
Platanthera elmeri,
Platanthera finetiana,
Platanthera flava,
Platanthera florentia,
Platanthera fuscescens,
Platanthera grandiflora,
Platanthera hachijoensis,
Platanthera halconensis,
Platanthera handel-mazzettii,
Platanthera hollandiae,
Platanthera holmboei,
Platanthera hologlottis,
Platanthera hondoensis,
Platanthera hookeri,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,