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Greater butterfly-orchid (Platanthera chlorantha)

Tall and glowing, the greater butterfly-orchid sways over unimproved grasslands and open woods. Though not so sweet-smelling as its lesser relative, keep a nose out for it in the early evening when it is at its most pungent.

  • Spot these rare flowers in chalky meadows.

    Credit: Philippe Clement / naturepl.com

  • Flowers can number from 10-40 on one flower spike.

    Credit: Steve Holroyd / Alamy Stock Photo

  • Greater butterfly-orchids only have two leaves that grow directly from the ground.

    Credit: John Burnham / Alamy Stock Photo

  • They are excellent flowers for pollinators.

    Credit: Will Watson / naturepl.com

Quick facts

Common name: greater butterfly-orchid

Scientific name: Platanthera chlorantha

Family: Orchidaceae (orchids)

Origin: native

Flowering season: May to July

Habitat: broadleaf woodland, fields, along hedgerows

What do greater butterfly-orchids look like?

A tall and upright orchid in meadows and open woodland, the greater butterfly-orchid is fond of chalky soils.

Leaves: are bright green. Only two large leaves grow from the base of the plant with a few smaller ones higher up the stem.

Flowers: can number from 10 to 40 on a flower spike. They are white and green in colour.

Not to be confused with: the lesser butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia) which is very similar in appearance, but prefers open and heath habitats and has a strong vanilla scent in the early evening.

Credit: Steve Holroyd / Alamy Stock Photo

Where to find greater butterfly-orchids

The greater butterfly-orchid grows throughout Europe, but is scarce in southern regions. It’s found throughout the UK, most frequently in the south, but is uncommon. Spot the plants in unimproved grassland and open broadleaved woodland.

Value to wildlife

These plants are important sources of nectar for invertebrates.

Did you know?

They emit a strong scent at night intended to attract the moths that pollinate them.

Uses of greater butterfly-orchid

There are few uses for the greater butterfly-orchid, but the lesser butterfly-orchid has been used in traditional medicine for gastro-intestinal soothing.

Threats and conservation

This species has suffered declines in the UK. In the lowlands it has been lost through drainage, woodland disturbance and agricultural intensification, while upland populations have been lost to intensive grazing. The plant is now classified as Near Threatened and is uncommon in the UK.

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