Platanthera orbiculata aka Lesser Round Leaf Orchid

Platanthera orbiculata is a wildflower in the orchid family. It is a perennial, so it lives for more than one year. Common names include dinner-plate orchid and roundleaf rein orchid. Its native range starts in subarctic North America. It extends into the northern and eastern United States. The plant grows across much of Canada and the United States. It lives in wet woods, damp meadows, and bogs. Records place it in North Carolina's mountains and Piedmont.

The plant grows upright and sheds its leaves with the seasons. Two large basal leaves sit at the plant's base. They lie flat against the ground. Their broad shape helps explain the name dinner-plate orchid. Each leaf can exceed 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] in length and width. The green leaves are glossy and have no hairs. Each has a simple blade, with a round to oval shape. The source gives no mature height or spread.

The flowers form a raceme, a cluster along a stem. They open in summer and fall. Each cluster can hold up to 30 blooms. The pale flowers blend green with white. Each has a long, narrow lip that tapers towards its tip. No fringe lines the lip's edge. A long spur sticks out behind each flower. These showy blooms give the plant its main floral interest. Noctuid moths carry pollen between the flowers. The source does not describe the fruit.

In gardens, this orchid needs soil that stays moist. It suits part shade, with direct sun for part of the day. The soil should be rich in organic matter. It suits acid to neutral soil and accepts wet spells. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 2a through 7b. Its need for moisture suits sites near streams and water gardens. It also has a place in native plant gardens. The source lists two ways to grow new plants: division and seed.

The broad leaves and pale flowers each add interest. Its role in supporting moths adds wildlife value to native gardens. The source notes past leaf use for skin complaints, cuts, and blisters. That record does not prove health benefits or safe use. The evidence gives no advice on eating this orchid. It does not assess whether the plant is toxic. It gives no details on specific pests or diseases.