The Lesser or Small flowered purple fringed orchid (Platanthera psycodes) is blooming now in western Pennsylvania. Its flowers are small — only 1/2″ across — but they make up for their size by clustering 30 to 50 on the stem.
You’ll find this orchid in wet spots in the woods, in damp meadows, and along streams and seeps.
Dianne Machesney photographed this one during a Wissahickon Nature Club outing last Tuesday. The outing honored Esther Allen who certainly would have enjoyed seeing this plant.
(photo by Dianne Machesney)
What a beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing it, and for keeping everyone up to date on what to look for during walks and hikes in Western PA.