Green Rein Orchid or Sparse-flowered Bog Orchid
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It's one of almost four dozen native Platanthera species, better known for the fringed orchids.
The Northern Rein Orchid or Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea), is a similar Plantanthera species that shares territory with the Sparse-flowered Bog Orchid. Differentiating between the two can be difficult for beginners.
Because Platanthera sparsiflora gets is common name based on the fact that the flowers are spaced along the stem, flower arrangement can help with initial identification. Green Rein Orchids also are characterized by a long spur, shone in the picture.
© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels