| Western Prairie Fringed Orchids |
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Description: The western prairie fringed orchid arises from a fleshy tuber. It grows from 1.25 to 3 feet tall (38-85 cm). Each plant can have up to two dozen or more flowers arranged in a stalk. The western prairie fringed orchid is distinguished from the eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) by its slightly larger flowers, petal shape, and longer nectar spur. Life History: The western prairie fringed orchid is a long-lived perennial. It emerges in May and blooms in June or in July further north. The flowers are fragrant at night and are pollinated by large sphinx moths. Habitat: The western prairie fringed orchid is a plant of the tallgrass prairie and requires direct sunlight for growth. It is most often found in moist habitats or sedge meadows. Western prairie fringed orchids have persisted in areas that have been lightly grazed, periodically burned, or regularly mowed. It is not yet understood how these activities affect plant survival. It may be that removal of dead grass mulch is beneficial, but heavy grazing is detrimental. Distribution: Historically, the western prairie fringed orchid was found in tallgrass prairies west of the Mississippi River. It occurred from extreme southern Canada south to northeast Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, historical records (1975) exist for Craig and Rogers Counties. Currently, extant populations of the orchid are found in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Causes of Decline: The major factor contributing to the decline of the western prairie fringed orchid has been the conversion of native prairie to croplands. Fire suppression, overgrazing, and habitat fragmentation also have contributed to the decline of the species. Recovery Needs: Research is being done to determine the effects of grazing, burning, and mowing on populations of the western prairie fringed orchid. Finding new populations and protecting known populations are other high priority tasks. Other information: The western prairie fringed orchid was described as a distinct species, separate from the eastern prairie fringed orchid in 1986. Both are threatened species. U.S. Fish And Wildlife |
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