Green Fringed Orchid
Platanthera lacera
Last reviewed: August 2026
Green Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw moths and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Green Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states
Pollinators
moths, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Ragged fringed orchid is a native wildflower with distinctive white flowers featuring deeply fringed petals that create a delicate, lacy appearance. This woodland orchid blooms from June through August and naturally occurs in moist meadows and open woodlands.
Growing Green Fringed Orchid
Grow Green Fringed Orchid in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Green Fringed Orchid takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks like wild weed when not blooming
- Completely disappears in winter
- Irregular emergence and blooming patterns
Wildlife value
The intricate white flowers attract night-flying moths and butterflies with their sweet fragrance and nectar. As a native orchid, it supports specialized pollinators that have co-evolved with native plant communities.
Common questions
- How much sun does Green Fringed Orchid need?
- Green Fringed Orchid grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Green Fringed Orchid bloom?
- Green Fringed Orchid blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Green Fringed Orchid native?
- Green Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Green Fringed Orchid attract?
- Green Fringed Orchid draws moths and butterflies.
- Is Green Fringed Orchid HOA-friendly?
- Green Fringed Orchid takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Green Fringed Orchid? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz