White Fringed Orchid

Platanthera

 blephariglottis conspicua

The White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis var. conspicua) may be seen blooming in late summer to early fall in pitcherplant savannas and swamps of the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. It is easily recognized by the white fringed flowers with very long spurs. It is pollinated only by certain moths, butterflies, and bees with specialized tongues long enough to reach the nectar within the long spur. The tongue-twisting Latin name describes the orchid as a striking (conspicua) plant with fringes resembling tongue-like (glotta) eyelids (blepharon), and having flattened anthers (Platanthera).