Platanthera x estesii

Platanthera xestesii, Estes hybrid Rein Orchis, as the "x" indicates, is a natural hybrid of Platanthera dilatata, the Bog Candle, and Platanthera stricta, the Slender Bog Orchis.  It very closely resembles Platanthera huronensis, the Green Bog Orchis, and is difficult to distinguish from that species.  It may, in fact, be part of intergrading complex that includes all the above species.  In my experience, having seen plants that have been identified as the natural hybrid, the differences between it and the Green Bog Orchis are (1) a shorter spur (shorter than the lip rather than equal in length to the lip), (2) a thinner spur which is more like that of the Bog Candle, and (3) the shape of the lip, which instead of looking like the head of lance, looks more like that of the Bog Candle.  In any case, these plants do not fit exactly the description of the Green Bog Orchis and I've lumped them under this natural hybrid.

July 7

(Canadian Rockies)

Growing with Platanthera dilatata

July 17

(Canadian Rockies)

Estes Hybrid Rein Orchis (Platanthera x estesii)

This plant is a natural hybrid between Platanthera dilatata var. albiflora and Platanthera stricta.  We have found it in several places where these two species grow together.

It looks more like P. dilatata than P. stricta, like a greenish-white version of the former species.  The plant and flower size are nearly the same also as for that species.