Platanthera elegans
Orchidaceae
Elegant Rein-Orchid
Stem erect, topped with spike of flowers. Basal leaves 2–5, oblong, 2–12 in. long. Flowering stem bare below, with white or pale green flowers on top section. Flowers musky-smelling, not clove-like; long spur on back of flower is parallel to stem. Spur is strap-shaped, to 1/2 in. long, curved slightly upward at tip. Grows in dry open places in mixed and conifer forests below 1600 ft. Called rein orchid for the strap-shaped spur. Piperia transversa, royal rein orchid, also whitish, has straight spur pointing back and across stem, is sweetly clove-scented.
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Flowering Time: Early Summer
- Flower Form: petals 3 or 6, orchids
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 12–15 inches
- Habitat: Coastal, Meadow, West-side Forest
- Found In: East Gorge, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Wallowas, West Gorge
- Native: Yes
- Also Known As: Greene's Coastal Habenaria
- Latin Synonyms: Piperia elegans, Habenaria elegans, Habenaria greenei
