Platanthera dilatata, commonly known as the tall white bog orchid or bog candle, is a perennial herbaceous orchid native to bogs, wet meadows, marshes, and damp woodlands across North America, including parts of Canada and the United States. It typically grows up to 51 inches tall and is characterized by its linear to lanceolate leaves that diminish in size up the stem. This orchid produces showy white flowers with a clove-like fragrance, which bloom in dense clusters on elongated spikes during the summer months. The flowers are particularly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including moths and butterflies.

The tall white bog orchid is appreciated for its ornamental beauty, with its striking white blooms and sweet scent making it a desirable addition to water gardens and naturalized wetland areas. It plays a significant ecological role in its native habitats by providing nectar for pollinators. Cultivation requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions, preferably with a calcareous component, and it thrives in full to partial sunlight. While it is not commonly used in traditional horticulture due to its specific growing conditions, it can be a unique feature in specialized garden settings. Care should be taken to avoid overly dry conditions, as this can be detrimental to the plant’s health.CC BY-SA 4.0