Lesser Butterfly Orchid

Platanthera bifolia

Common in scattered localities around Britain.

Not to be confused with the Greater Butterfly-Orchid, which are about the same size.

Distinguished by their two shining green basal leaves, especially of the hill form, which are shorter and broader and by the angle of the pollinia.

There are usually around 25 white flowers tinged with yellow-green in a slim flower spike.

The flowers are night-scented, but the chemical components of the scent are different from those of greater butterfly-orchid and attract different pollinators.

Flowers from June-early July.