About Platanthera integrilabia (Correll) Luer
Platanthera integrilabia, also called the white fringeless orchid, is a mycotrophic perennial plant. It grows up to 2 feet tall and produces up to 20 sweetly scented white flowers. It bears two leaves that grow only at the base of its stem. Each flower has a conspicuous, elongated nectar-filled spur extending from the back of the flower that curves forward toward the front of the bloom. This orchid reproduces mainly through outcrossing, and is pollinated by butterflies including the eastern tiger swallowtail and silver-spotted skippers. These butterflies can reach the nectar inside the spurs with their long tongues. It is distinguished from other Platanthera species by its round labellum. It typically flowers from late July to early September, though it can flower as early as June in the southern portion of its range. In any given year, the percentage of flowering individuals within a population is usually very low, and many individuals reproduce clonally via tubers.
