Photo by John MacGregor
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Habitat:
Dry to moist open soil, thickets, woods, and bogs, moist open ephemeral streamheads, pond margins.
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Species Description:
Perennial herb.
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Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early June to late September.
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Additional Information at NatureServe
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Diagnostic Characteristics:
The orange/yellow flowers distinguish this species from most other orchids. The lip is fringed and the spur is long (18-28 mm). The lower leaves are narrow (less than 2 cm), strap-like and up to 20 cm in length. Platantheras in general have the upper two petals merged to for a hood that extends over the column. The lateral sepals area spreading.
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Management:
The habitat for this species is especially sensitive to changes in hydrology and not likely to withstand much alteration. Grazing or browsing pressure, vegetation removal, hydrologic changes (i.e. stream alterations road construction) would be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species and should be removed. Avoid creating access to the site through trail or road construction.
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Global Range:
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Known Kentucky Occurrences:
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