Etymology: Platanthera: from the Greek for "flat" and "flower," hence "wide or flat anthered"
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-32" tall forb
Leaves: lower lance-like to oval; upper much smaller, nearly linear
Flowers: white to greenish-white, 6-parted, 1/2"-3/4" long, lips 3-lobed and fringed almost to the base, petals linear and not toothed; inflorescence a 2"-6" usually compact, spike-like cluster with many almost stalkless flowers; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: sun; wet; meadows, roadsides, bogs
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = FACW USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions