Orange-Fringed Orchid
ExplorePlants
Orange-Fringed Orchid
platanthera ciliaris
The Orange-Fringed Orchid (Platanthera ciliaris) is a spectacular perennial wildflower native to wet, acidic habitats in eastern North America. Renowned for its brilliant, fiery orange flower spikes, this terrestrial orchid illuminates meadows, bogs, and open pine savannas during the heat of mid-to-late summer. Each robust stem boasts a dense cluster of up to eighty fringed blossoms, creating a visual masterpiece that stands out strikingly against green marsh vegetation. Beyond its striking looks, this orchid plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, acting as a crucial nectar source for large butterflies, particularly swallowtails, which are its primary pollinators.
Habitat: Typically found in acidic, moist environments such as sphagnum bogs, wet pine barrens, damp meadows, and savannas.
Appearance
This terrestrial orchid stands 30 to 90 centimeters tall, featuring an erect, unbranched stem clad in lance-shaped, alternating green leaves. Its crowning glory is a dense, cylindrical cluster of 30 to 80 bright orange to deep yellow-orange flowers. Each individual bloom is highly detailed, featuring a deeply fringed, tongue-like lip that extends into a long, nectar-filled spur of up to 2.5 centimeters, designed specifically for long-tongued insect pollinators.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusPlatanthera
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Each flower possesses a nectar spur that can be up to 2.5 centimeters long, perfectly matching the proboscis length of swallowtail butterflies.
The common name 'fringed' refers to the highly dissected, lace-like appearance of the lower flower petal.
The seeds of the Orange-Fringed Orchid are dust-like and contain no nutrient reserves; they cannot germinate without a fungal partner.
Special abilities
Ability
Mycorrhizal Partnership
Relies on a symbiotic relationship with subterranean fungi to supply essential nutrients during seed germination and early development.
Ability
Targeted Nectar Spur
Features a long, nectar-filled floral spur that limits access to specific, highly effective long-tongued pollinators like swallowtail butterflies.
Ability
Fire Adaptation
Thrives in fire-prone pine savannas, where periodic burns clear competing woody vegetation and stimulate robust seasonal orchid growth.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-90 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-20 years
Diet & Feeding
Like most plants, this orchid produces its own food via photosynthesis, supplemented by nutrients absorbed from the soil through symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi.
Age differences: Seedlings are fully dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for nutrients before developing photosynthetic leaves.
Primary Foods
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Sunlight
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Spicebush Swallowtail
Papilio troilus
The Spicebush Swallowtail pollinates the orchid while feeding on its deep nectar deposits.
mutualism
Mycorrhizal Fungus
Ceratobasidium species
Essential mycorrhizal fungus that colonizes orchid seeds to assist in germination and nutrient absorption.
mutualism
Pipevine Swallowtail
Battus philenor
This swallowtail uses its long proboscis to access nectar, facilitating cross-pollination.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Orange-Fringed Orchid?
The easiest way to identify Orange-Fringed Orchid is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Orange-Fringed Orchid?
30-90 cm
How much does Orange-Fringed Orchid weigh?
0.05-0.2 kg
How long does Orange-Fringed Orchid live?
5-20 years
What does Orange-Fringed Orchid eat?
Like most plants, this orchid produces its own food via photosynthesis, supplemented by nutrients absorbed from the soil through symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi.
Where is Orange-Fringed Orchid usually found?
Typically found in acidic, moist environments such as sphagnum bogs, wet pine barrens, damp meadows, and savannas.
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