Orchids of the Eifel: Platanthera

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Platanthera Bifolia

Latin: Patanthera bifolia
English: Lesser butterfly orchid
German: Zweiblättrige Waldhyazinthe
Bloom: June to beginning of July

The easiest way to tell the two platanthera apart is the number of leaves: bifolia has 2 leaves, chlorantha has several.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 31, 2006

These orchids grow in dry meadows or on the edges of woods in acidic or calciferous soil soil.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 7, 2007

This is a true albino - even the stem is white. Unfortunately it was a windy day and the photo is bit blurred.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 29, 2002

Platanthera Chlorantha

Latin: Platanthera chlorantha
English: Greater butterfly orchid
German: Grünliche Waldhyazinthe
Bloom: End of May to June

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 28, 2006

These orchids grow in dry meadows and open woods, primarily in calciferous soil.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 29, 2005

The lower end of the lip is greener than that of platanthera bifolia but this is very difficult to see unless the two plants are side by side.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 29, 2005

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