Species Factsheet
| | home | contact us | privacy policy | | |
| |
Threatened
and Endangered Species Factsheet |
 Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
|
|
Description: The western prairie fringed orchid arises from a fleshy tuber. It grows from one and one-quarter to three feet tall. Each plant can have up to two dozen or more flowers arranged in a stalk. The western prairie fringed orchid is distinguished from the eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) by its slightly larger flowers, petal shape, and longer nectar spur. The western prairie fringed orchid is a long-lived perennial. It emerges in May and blooms in June or in July further north. The flowers are fragrant at night and are pollinated by large sphinx moths. Habitat: The western prairie fringed orchid is a plant of the tallgrass prairie and requires direct sunlight for growth. It is most often found in moist habitats or sedge meadows. Current Iowa range: Adair, Bremer, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Fayette, Guthrie, Howard, Kossuth, Mills, Pocahontas, and Taylor counties. Do something WILD!: Get involved in your local prairie grass planting and restoration activities.  Back
 | |
|
|
