Northern Green Orchid
(Platanthera hyperborea)
Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)
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© Louis Imbeau
CC BY 4.0
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© Louis Imbeau
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Louis Imbeau | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: imbeaul | Publisher: iNaturalist |
























Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 7" - 127" |
• High Temp. | 33°F - 96°F |
• Low Temp. | -27°F - 37°F |
Summary
Platanthera hyperborea, commonly known as the Northern Green Orchid, is a perennial herb native to cool, moist habitats such as subarctic and boreal regions, wet meadows, marshes, fens, and along stream banks in Greenland, Iceland, northern parts of North America, and Akimiski Island in Canada. It typically grows to a height of 10-35 cm and features a rosette of basal leaves with a slender flowering spike. The small, greenish flowers bloom in mid to late summer and are not particularly showy, but they are fragrant and attract pollinators such as moths.
The Northern Green Orchid is valued for its hardiness in cold climates and its ability to add subtle beauty to native plant gardens and restoration projects in its range. It requires consistently moist soil and cool conditions, making it unsuitable for warmer climates. In cultivation, it is best suited for bog gardens or areas that replicate its natural wetland conditions. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. While not commonly found in cultivation, it can be a unique addition to a collection of native orchids. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Northern Green Orchid is valued for its hardiness in cold climates and its ability to add subtle beauty to native plant gardens and restoration projects in its range. It requires consistently moist soil and cool conditions, making it unsuitable for warmer climates. In cultivation, it is best suited for bog gardens or areas that replicate its natural wetland conditions. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. While not commonly found in cultivation, it can be a unique addition to a collection of native orchids. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Green, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Cool, moist habitats such as subarctic and boreal regions, wet meadows, marshes, fens, and stream banks
Other Names
Common Names: Northern Green Orchid, Arctic Green Orchid, Leafy Northern Green Orchid, Northern Green Bog Orchid, Leafy Green Orchid
Scientific Names: Platanthera hyperborea, Gymnadenia hyperborea, Habenaria borealis, Habenaria dilatata var. borealis, Habenaria hyperborea, Limnorchis borealis, Limnorchis brachypetala, Limnorchis hyperborea, Orchis acuta
GBIF Accepted Name: Platanthera hyperborea