Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Platanthera

Species:

Platanthera psycodes

USDA Symbol:

PLPS2

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:

purple, pink, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, moths

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, moist, well-drained loam

pH:

5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers habitats like wet meadows and bogs

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days

Notes:

Orchid seeds require mycorrhizal fungi for germination; extremely difficult to germinate without symbiotic relationship or specialized laboratory conditions.