Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Platanthera

Species:

Platanthera leucophaea

USDA Symbol:

PLLE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

moths, butterflies

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Historically associated with fire-maintained wet prairies and sedge meadows; periodic burning helps reduce competition and maintain open habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers open, sunny wetlands and prairies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days

Notes:

Requires mycorrhizal fungi for germination and establishment; extremely difficult to propagate from seed without specialized laboratory conditions.