Platanthera leucophaea, commonly known as the Prairie White Fringed Orchid or Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, is a perennial herb that is part of the orchid family. It is native to moist prairies, wet meadows, fens, and calcareous wetlands in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of North America. This orchid prefers full sun to partial shade and is often found in open habitats with wet to mesic conditions. It grows up to 36 inches tall and has long, lanceolate leaves. From June to August, it produces a striking inflorescence of up to 40 fragrant, white flowers with fringed petals and a long nectar spur, which are especially showy at night.

The Prairie White Fringed Orchid is valued for its rarity and beauty, making it a prized species for conservationists and native plant enthusiasts. It is often used in restoration projects of prairie habitats and is a key species for maintaining biodiversity. The plant requires consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. It is best suited for naturalized areas or specialized native plant gardens where its needs can be met without much alteration to the existing landscape. Due to its specific habitat requirements and threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and changes in hydrology, it is considered endangered and is protected under federal law.CC BY-SA 4.0