Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata
Point reyes rein-orchid, Point Reyes Rein-Orchid
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata (Point reyes rein-orchid) is a native California herb in the Orchidaceae family, recognized by very limited range, short stature, wide leaves, and cinnamon fragrance.
Point Reyes rein-orchid is a California native found only near Point Reyes in the northern Central Coast bioregion, growing in dry, open coastal scrub and coastal prairie around 100 meters elevation. Flowering from August to September, this orchid reaches 15 to 35 centimeters tall with cinnamon-scented flowers showing green lateral petals, a white lip, and a spur 3 to 6 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; very limited range, short stature, wide leaves, and cinnamon fragrance are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally dry, open sites, coastal scrub, coastal prairie
Elevation: 100 m
California counties: Marin
Bloom period
Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata blooms Aug--Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Listera: Piperia flowers have obvious backward spurs; Listera flowers lack spurs entirely.; vs Platanthera: Piperia is leafless at flowering with dense spikes; Platanthera has leafy stems when blooming.; vs Epipactis: Piperia has tight cylindrical spikes of tiny spurred flowers; Epipactis has loose rows of larger spurless flowers.; vs Goodyera: Piperia is leafless when flowering; Goodyera has distinctive white-veined evergreen leaves present at bloom.; vs Spiranthes: Piperia flowers have backward spurs in straight spikes; Spiranthes lacks spurs and flowers spiral up stem.
Frequently asked questions
Is Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata native to California?
Yes. Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata bloom?
Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata blooms Aug--Sep.
Where in California does Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata grow?
Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata occurs in Marin, at elevations of 100 m.
What plant family does Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata belong to?
Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Platanthera.
Is Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata rare or endangered?
Platanthera elegans subsp. decurtata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.