Plant of the Week
Range map of the Yellow Fringed Orchid. States are colored green where the Yellow Fringed Orchid may be found.
Yellow Fringed Orchid (Platanthera ciliaris). Photo by Shannan Sharp.
Yellow Fringed Orchid (Platanthera ciliaris). Photo by Shannan Sharp.
Yellow Fringed Orchid (Platanthera ciliaris (L.) Lindl.)
By Shannan Sharp
Yellow fringed orchid is a perennial herb that blooms from late June to September. The flowers are showy, with bright yellow to orange flowers that have distinctive fringed lips and are clustered in racemes. This plant is typically found in sunny, wet areas with acidic soils. Its habitats include swamps, seeps, wet meadows and prairies, boggy areas in pine savannas, flatwoods, and roadsides.
Yellow fringed orchid is native to the most of eastern and south central United States. It is still common in the southeastern states, but is becoming rare at the northern edges of its range. Threats to this species include shading of habitat due to succession, plant collection, roadside mowing, and changes in hydrology.
For More Information
PLANTS Profile - Platanthera ciliaris, Yellow Fringed Orchid