Small Northern Bog Orchid
Platanthera obtusata
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platanthera_obtusata
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Small Northern Bog Orchid faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and peat bog destruction for agricultural conversion and development. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate hydrological balance of bog ecosystems, potentially drying out the saturated soils this orchid requires. Habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.
Habitat
This orchid inhabits acidic sphagnum bogs, fens, and wet meadows across northern regions, requiring consistently moist to saturated soils with low nutrient levels. It typically grows in open to partially shaded areas within these wetland ecosystems, often associated with sedges, mosses, and other bog-adapted vegetation.
Other threatened species in Orchidaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Small Northern Bog Orchid classified as Endangered?
Where does Small Northern Bog Orchid live?
What are the main threats to Small Northern Bog Orchid?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.