Platanthera brevifolia largely replaces P. sparsiflora in Mexico and is very distinctive at its northern limit in the United States. Although P. sparsiflora is exceedingly variable in floral dimensions, in habit, and in the number, size, and placement of leaves, the pattern seen in P. brevifolia seems to lie outside this range of variation. With a generally longer spur and very different ecologic requirements, it is here treated at the specific level. Nonetheless, P. brevifolia is reported to intergrade with P. sparsiflora in Mexico (R. McVaugh and W. R. Anderson. 1974+, vol. 16, pp. 254–256), yet the latter species probably does not range there beyond a possible occurrence in Baja California (M. A. Soto 1988).
Platanthera brevifolia, the shortflowered bog orchid or short-leaf bog orchid, is a terrestrial orchid of North America.
Platanthera brevifolia plants are 16–60 cm tall. Their leaves are close to and sheathing the stem. Flowering time is from July to September, with up to 40 green to yellowish-green flowers. The flowers have a lip which can be 10 mm long and a long nectar spur of 9–20 mm.[1][2]
Platanthera brevifolia is found in New Mexico in the United States and in Mexico, at an elevation of 2100–2750 m. The habitat is dry to moist gravel, loam and limestone. They prefer open, usually coniferous forest.[1][2]
Platanthera brevifolia was first described by Edward Lee Greene in 1881 (as Habenaria brevifolia).
Platanthera brevifolia, the shortflowered bog orchid or short-leaf bog orchid, is a terrestrial orchid of North America.
