About Platanthera unalascensis (Spreng.) Kurtz
Platanthera unalascensis is an orchid species with the common names slender-spire orchid, Alaska piperia, and Alaska rein orchid. It is native to most of western North America, ranging from Alaska down to the southwestern United States, as well as to eastern sections of Canada and the Great Lakes region. It grows in forest, woodland, and scrub habitats, most often in dry areas. This orchid grows in an erect form, reaching a maximum height of around 70 centimeters (28 inches). Its basal leaves grow up to 15 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide (5.9 by 1.6 inches). Leaves positioned higher on the stem are much smaller in size. The upper part of the stem forms a slender, spikelike inflorescence holding widely spaced translucent green flowers. The flowers are fragrant in the evenings, producing a scent that can be musky, soapy, or honeylike. This species is variable across individual plants in size, stem thickness, inflorescence density, petal shape, and scent. Plants growing in coast ranges and the Pacific Northwest are stouter, with broader sepals and petals, compared to interior and montane forms of the species.
