Lesser butterfly-orchid
PLATANTHERA BIFOLIA
Lesser butterfly-orchid is a sturdy-stemmed orchid that can reach half a meter in height. It has two elliptic basal leaves and its flower spike is located at the top of the stem. When blooming in June-July the flowers of Lesser-butterfly orchid spread their strong, pungent scent especially in the night-time.
Lesser butterfly-orchid flourishes in e.g. herb-rich forests, nutrient-rich heath forests and meadows. Its broad area of distribution covers most of Europe and Central Asia.
At present Lesser butterfly-orchid is protected in Finland but in the beginning of the 20th century it was a common plant sold in streets and markets. The plant provides nourishment for pollinators like hawkmoths. The seeds of Lesser butterfly-orchid contain no nutrients itself and they need help of mycelia to germinate.
Since Lesser butterfly-orchid is a protected species it is prohibited to collect or harm it.
Lesser butterfly-orchid
PLATANTHERA BIFOLIA
wood | deadwood | stage of development | key biotopes |
---|---|---|---|
aspen | aspen | 1-5y | grove |
birch | birch | 6-20y | ridge |
pine | pine | 21-50y | rock |
spruce | spruce | 51-100y | spring |
other | other | stream | |
swamp |

Early marsh-orchid
DACTYLORHIZA INCARNATA

Heath spotted orchid
DACTYLORHIZA MACULATA

Lesser twayblade
NEOTTIA CORDATA