Western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara)

Northwestern Minnesota's only plant species on the federal Endangered Species list. Stem 1 to 2 feet tall, with narrowly oval lower leaves strongly clasping the stem, smaller upper leaves. Creamy white flowers in elongate clusters (racemes) of a few to more than 20; lip divided into 3 fringed segments; spur up to 2 inches long; fragrant; moth pollinated. Wet to wet-mesic prairies. Blooms in July.

Rare Species Guide: Western prairie fringed orchid