sparse-flowered bog orchid

Platanthera sparsiflora is a species of orchid known by the common name sparse-flowered bog orchid. It is native to the forests and meadows of the western United States (Colorado and New Mexico west to California, plus Washington and Oregon), and also south to Baja California.

Platanthera sparsiflora can be found in wet habitats. It produces a slender, erect flowering stem up to about 1⁄2 meter (1 ft 8 in) tall. The longest leaves near the base of the stem are up to 15 centimeters (6 in) long by 3 centimeters (1+1⁄4 in) wide. The inflorescence has widely spaced twisted green flowers with petals up to 1 centimeter (1⁄3 in) in length.