About Platanthera dilatata (Pursh) Lindl. ex L.C.Beck
Common Name and Growth Form
Platanthera dilatata, commonly known as bog candle, is an erect perennial herb that reaches heights between 11 and 130 cm (4.3–51.2 in).
Inflorescence
Its showy white flowers grow in clustered arrangements along long spikes.
Petal Characteristics
Unlike some other species in the Platanthera genus, its petals have smooth entire edges, are not divided or fringed, and range in shape from ovate to linear-lance.
Sepal Characteristics
The plant’s lateral sepals either spread outward or bend backward.
Leaf Shape
Its leaves range in shape from linear to lanceolate or oblanceolate, and decrease in size moving upward along the stem.
Leaf Dimensions
Individual leaves measure between 3 and 32 cm (1.2–12.6 in) in length, and 0.3 to 7 cm (0.12–2.76 in) in width.
Traditional Use
Native American peoples of British Columbia used the species’ sweet-scented flowers for washing.
