Platanthera integrilabia (Correll) Luer

Common Name & Growth Habit

Platanthera integrilabia, also called the white fringeless orchid, is a mycotrophic perennial plant.

Height & Flower Count

It grows up to 2 feet tall and produces up to 20 sweetly scented white flowers.

Leaf Characteristics

It bears two leaves that grow only at the base of its stem.

Flower Spur Morphology

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.

Pollination & Pollinator Species

This orchid reproduces mainly through outcrossing, and is pollinated by butterflies including the eastern tiger swallowtail and silver-spotted skippers.

Pollinator Feeding Adaptation

These butterflies can reach the nectar inside the spurs with their long tongues.

Species Distinguishing Feature

It is distinguished from other Platanthera species by its round labellum.

Flowering Period

It typically flowers from late July to early September, though it can flower as early as June in the southern portion of its range.

Reproductive Traits

In any given year, the percentage of flowering individuals within a population is usually very low, and many individuals reproduce clonally via tubers.