(Green Bog Orchid)

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Platanthera aquilonis, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5645

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Platanthera aquilonis, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5661

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Platanthera aquilonis, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5683

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Platanthera aquilonis, Miner’s Creek, Frisco, Summit Co. 5965

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Platanthera aquilonis, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 4452

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Platanthera aquilonis, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5673

Scientific Name Platanthera aquilonis USDA PLANTS Symbol PLAQ2
Common Name Green Bog Orchid, Northern Green Orchid ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 894660
Family Orchidaceae (Orchid) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (6400 to 12500 ft); marshes, wet meadows, streamsides.
Plant: Erect, single-stem perennial, 2 to 24 inches tall.
Leaves: Three to 5 alternate stalkless leaves 1 to 9 inches long, oblong to lanceolate, gradually becoming bracts higher up on the stem.
Inflorescence: A raceme of 30 to 40 stalkless green/yellow-green flowers about 1/2-inch across with an erect bract beneath; 3 sepals and 3 petals, upper two petals joining with a sepal to form a hood; lower petal forming a lip projecting forward with cylindrical, club-shaped spur from base, shorter than the lip.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet and North American Native Orchid Journal, Vol 13.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains