(Blunt-leaf Orchid)

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Platanthera obtusata, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5814

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Platanthera obtusata, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5805

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Platanthera obtusata, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5812

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Platanthera obtusata, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5817

Scientific Name Platanthera obtusata USDA PLANTS Symbol PLOB
Common Name Blunt-leaf Orchid ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 43411
Family Orchidaceae (Orchid) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (8000 to 11500 ft); wet, boggy areas, mossy ground; shade to partial sun.
Plant: Erect perennial up to 14 inches tall, but usually 4 to 6 inches tall in CO; leafless stem.
Leaves: One (rarely 2) leaf from base of stem linear-oblanceolate, elliptic, or broadly obovate.
Inflorescence: A lax raceme of 4 to 8 greenish white to yellow-green inverted flowers less than 1/2-inch across with 3 sepals and 3 petals, upper two petals joining with a sepal to form a hood; lower petal forms a narrow lip; slender, conical spur.
Bloom Period: June 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