EASTERN PRAIRIE FRINGED ORCHID

- Platanthera leucophaea
- Rare species to North America
- Added to endangered species list September 28, 1989

APPEARANCE

• 8-40 inches tall
• Upright stem
• Inflorescence
• Flower spike with 5-40 white flowers

HABITAT

• Mesic prairie or wetlands
• Sedge meadows
• Marsh edges
• Bogs
• Lots of sun, no woody encroachment

HISTORY

• Perennial herb
• Blooms late June --> Early July
• Flower blooms last 7-10 days

REPRODUCTION

• Pollination
• Night flying hawkmoth

WHY ARE YOU ENDANGERED?

• Habitat loss
• Drainage nd development of wetlands
• Conversion to cropland and pastures
• Sucesaion to woody vegetation
• Competition from non-native species

Prevention
- Listing
- Recovery Plan
- Protect Habitat
- Manage Habitat
- Increase size and numbers
- Research