Piperia elegans
Orchidaceae
Elegant Rein-Orchid
Stem erect, topped with spike of flowers. Basal leaves 2–5, oblong, 2–12 in. long. Flowering stem bare below, with white or pale green flowers on top section. Flowers musky-smelling, not clove-like; long spur on back of flower is parallel to stem. Spur is strap-shaped, to 1/2 in. long, curved slightly upward at tip. Grows in dry open places in mixed and conifer forests below 1600 ft. Called rein orchid for the strap-shaped spur. Piperia transversa, royal rein orchid, also whitish, has straight spur pointing back and across stem, is sweetly clove-scented.
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Flowering Time: Early Summer
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 12--15 inches
- Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest, Meadow
- Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, Wallowas, East Gorge, West Gorge, N Cascades Np
- Native: Yes
More Information:
- Latin synonyms: Habenaria greenei, Platanthera greenei
- Common synonyms: Greene's coastal habenaria
- More Photos
- USDA Plants Database
- CalPhotos
- OregonFlora
- E-Flora BC