Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Platanthera

Species:

Platanthera cristata

USDA Symbol:

PLCR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

orange, yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, bees

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Benefits from periodic fire that reduces competing vegetation in pine savanna and bog habitats; resprouts from tuberoids after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, rich, well-drained loam

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Often found in wet meadows and bogs

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Orchid seeds require mycorrhizal fungi for germination; extremely difficult to germinate without symbiotic association.