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Questions and Answers: 2018

Question: I have been trying to identify this orchid. It is growing in our brook (Temple, Maine). Mature, deciduous forest. Approximately …

  • Question

    I have been trying to identify this orchid. It is growing in our brook (Temple, Maine). Mature, deciduous forest. Approximately 12 inches high, no odor.

    Answer

    Dear bcollins357, you've photographed Platanthera aquilonis (north wind bog-orchid). This is an uncommon, but widely located orchid in Maine. You will find it usually referred to as Platanthera hyperborea in older literature, but that species is restricted to Greenland (i.e., that name was used too inclusively). Best wishes.