Ontario Wildflowers website

Northern Green Orchid
Platanthera hyperborea
(formerly Habenaria hyperborea)

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea) Other common names: Northern Green Orchis, Tall Leafy Green Orchis, Tall Northern Green Orchid

Other scientific names: Habenaria hyperborea, Limnorchis hyperborea, Orchis huronensis, Orchis hyperborea

French names: Habénaire hyperboréale

Family: Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)

Group: Orchids

Similar species:
  •   White Bog Orchid (Platanthera dilatata) - Very similar, except it has white flowers; hybridizes with Northern Green Orchid.

  •   Huron Green Orchid (Platanthera huronensis) - Flowers are paler green - this is a hybrid between Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea) and White Bog Orchid (Platanthera dilatata).


Flowers: Summer;  Green/Brown;  Irregular flowers

Leaves: Simple, Entire

Habitat: Forests, Wet Areas

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 44   

Native/Non-native: Native

Photographs: 321 photographs available, of which 9 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Northern Green Orchid flower stalk in mid summer.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

A pair of large and very healthy Northern Green Orchid plants.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

The green flowers.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Closeup view of Northern Green Orchid flowers.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Northern Green Orchid leaves.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Northern Green Orchid can grow to be rather large. This one is almost three feet tall.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)