Platanthera
bifolia, valkolehdokki
For Finnish, P. bifolia is The only real Platanthera. It
is one of the most common of our orchids, althought it has become more
rare in past decates. Platanthera´s white flower bring light
and odor to the light night in the mid-summer woods. It (also called as
Lesser Butterfly-orchid) is much more beautyful than P. chlorantha
(Common Butterfly-orchid). The name cannot come from the bauty of these
plants, but P. chlorantha is little larger than P. bifolia. 
The flowering takes place before Mid-Summer, and flowering plants can be found as far summer as in August. At its best P. bifolia can grow to 70 cm (28") heigh, althought 30-40 cm (12-18") is more common height.
As said, P. bifolia is common in Finland. It can be found from light, lime woods and meadows as well as from places made by Man.
The flowers are pollinated by moths, which are fascinated by by the odor and nectar. The nectar is in a long spur, so not any animal can get it from there.
The species is protected in Finland excluding Ahvenanmaa.
