Platanthera elongata

Platanthera (Piperia) elongata tooks very much like Platanthera (Piperia) transversa, except that it is usually a taller plant, up to 60 cm tall, with flowers that are usually a darker green color and have a spur that curves downward under the flower.  The shape of the spur and the color of the flower are diagnostic.  Like the other Platanthera/Piperias it prefers exposed and dry locations and is often found growing near Platanthera transversa, Platanthera elegans and Platanthera ephemerantha.  It is faintly fragrant at night its leaves are usually withered by the time its flowers open.  It should be noted that recent name changes have put the Piperias back into the genus Platanthera.

July 24

(Olympic National Park)

July 25

(Whidbey Island)