Canadian Native Orchids - Platanthera albida

Platanthera albida
(Linnaeus) Lindley var. straminea (Fernald)
[Habenaria straminea] Fernald

Location Newfoundland, Quebec.

Specific Habitat
Boggy depressions in limestone barrens, where protected by stunted firs and other dwarf plants from chilling winds and rain.

Flowering Season July to August.

Description
Height to 35 cm, glabrous
Leaves: 2-5, long, green, borne along the stem which they sheath.
Inflorescence: up to 50 yellowish-green flowers in a crowded, cylindrical spike. FlowersÕ sepals and petals cluster around the column. The three-pronged lip protrudes from below, and the short, blunt spur protrudes behind. The flowers emit a strong vanilla-like fragrance.

Comments
This variety is more robust than the typical variety, and occurs only in isolated spots. Note the flowersÕ distinct yellow-green colour rather than whitish, and are nearly twice as large. The floral bracts also extend the length of the flowers.

References
The Native Orchids of the United States and Canada excluding Florida

Habitat Plant Flower

Location	Newfoundland, Quebec.
Specific Habitat	Boggy depressions in limestone barrens, where protected by stunted firs and other dwarf plants from chilling winds and rain.
Flowering Season	July to August.
Description	Height to 35 cm, glabrous Leaves: 2-5, long, green, borne along the stem which they sheath. Inflorescence: up to 50 yellowish-green flowers in a crowded, cylindrical spike. FlowersÕ sepals and petals cluster around the column. The three-pronged lip protrudes from below, and the short, blunt spur protrudes behind. The flowers emit a strong vanilla-like fragrance.
Comments	This variety is more robust than the typical variety, and occurs only in isolated spots. Note the flowersÕ distinct yellow-green colour rather than whitish, and are nearly twice as large. The floral bracts also extend the length of the flowers.
References	The Native Orchids of the United States and Canada excluding Florida