Platanthera bifolia, commonly known as the lesser butterfly-orchid, is a perennial herbaceous orchid native to a variety of habitats including calcareous grasslands, damp meadows, light woodlands, and marshy grounds across Europe and Asia, from Ireland to Korea and Japan, and also in North Africa. It is typically found at elevations up to 1312 feet. This orchid is characterized by its slender spike bearing around 25 fragrant white flowers, each tinged with yellow-green, and blooms from late spring to midsummer. The flowers are night-scented, an adaptation to attract its primary pollinators, sphingid moths. The plant also features two broad, basal leaves that are a distinctive identification marker.

The lesser butterfly-orchid is valued for its delicate, fragrant flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring moist but well-drained soils and partial shade to replicate its native woodland conditions. While it can be grown from seed, propagation is challenging due to its symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. In cultivation, it is important to avoid overwatering and to provide a cool root run. Despite its beauty, the lesser butterfly-orchid has faced declines in certain areas, such as central and southern England, due to habitat loss and changes in land management practices. Conservation efforts are important to preserve this species in its natural habitat.CC BY-SA 4.0