Ontario Wildflowers website

White Fringed Orchid
Platanthera blephariglottis
(formerly Habenaria blephariglottis)

Other common names: White Fringed Orchis

Other scientific names: Habenaria blephariglottis, Blephariglottis blephariglottis, Orchis blephariglottis

French names: Habénaire à gorge frangée

Family: Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)

Group: Orchids

Distinctive features: Bogs. Pure white flowers in a spike. Flowerlip fringed.

Similar species:
  •   Smaller Purple Fringed Orchid (Platanthera psycodes) - purple flowers.


Flowers: Summer;  White;  Irregular flowers;  Pure white. Orchid-type flowers. Lower lip fringed.

Height: 25-50 cm (10-20 in)

Habitat: Wet Areas;  Bogs.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 42    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 16    ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 99   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Uncommon.

Notes: Pollinated by the Hawk Moth.

Photographs: 349 photographs available, of which 5 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis)

Four White Fringed Orchid plants in a bog.

White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis)

Flower spike with unopened flower buds. Note the long spur hanging down behind each flower.

White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis)

This photo clearly shows the fringes on each flower.

White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis)

Closeup view.

White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis)