Modoc Bog Orchid
Platanthera stricta
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Modoc Bog Orchid (Platanthera stricta) 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 shade
Water
high
Size
4"–24" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Modoc bog orchid is a rare native orchid that produces delicate white flower spikes in summer. This moisture-loving perennial requires consistently wet soil conditions and is challenging to establish in typical garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Modoc Bog 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.
- Extremely rare and difficult to source
- Requires boggy conditions unsuitable for most landscapes
- May disappear or fail to establish
Wildlife value
The flowers attract specialized pollinators including native bees and moths during its summer bloom period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Modoc Bog Orchid need?
- Modoc Bog Orchid grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Modoc Bog Orchid bloom?
- Modoc Bog Orchid blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Modoc Bog Orchid native?
- Modoc Bog Orchid (Platanthera stricta) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Modoc Bog Orchid attract?
- Modoc Bog Orchid draws bees and moths.
- Is Modoc Bog Orchid HOA-friendly?
- Modoc Bog 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 Modoc Bog 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