Bog Orchid
Platanthera dilatata
Care
part shade, full shade
regular
moist, well-draining, organic-rich soil
1–3ft tall , 0–1ft wide
Jun-Aug
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Wetlands and moist meadows throughout California from coastal regions to high Sierra elevations, below 9000 ft elevation, extending across North America from Canada to Mexico.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
High elevation butterfly; limited distribution in California
Federal Threatened; California Endangered; Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Critical larval host in early season
Larval host plant for early spring generation development
Larval development on plant tissues
Foraging during flowering season
Primary native pollinator during bloom
Use tall stems as perches and hunting stations near wetland habitats
Pollinator attracted to orchid flowers
Adult foraging on flowers during bloom period
+3 more species
Arachnids
Ambush predator using plant as hunting platform for visiting insects