Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Platanthera

Species:

Platanthera elegans

USDA Symbol:

PIEL2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, green

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

moths, butterflies

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers forested coastal areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 90–180 days

Notes:

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