Platanthera chlorantha, commonly known as Greater Butterfly-orchid, is a herbaceous perennial orchid native to a variety of habitats including deciduous woodlands, grassy slopes, meadows, and fens across Europe and extending into Morocco. It is particularly associated with calcareous soils and can be found in both dry and damp habitats, often in partially shaded conditions. The plant typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) and features broad, shiny, elliptical basal leaves. The Greater Butterfly-orchid is notable for its greenish-white, vanilla-scented flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer (May to July), depending on the latitude. The flowers are arranged in a dense spike and are distinguished by their long, slender spurs and the presence of two pollinia. The species is admired for its delicate and fragrant flowers, which are considered showy in their natural setting.

In cultivation, the Greater Butterfly-orchid is valued for its attractive, fragrant blooms and its ability to thrive in a range of garden settings, including woodland gardens and meadows. It prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings. While not commonly grown in private gardens, it is sometimes used in specialized orchid and native plant collections. Care should be taken to provide the right conditions, as it can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage. There are no major disease issues, but slugs and snails may pose a threat to the leaves and flowers. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0