Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera bifolia)

Family: Orchidaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Platanthera bifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell. — It is a source of 'salep', a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder.; Salep is a starch-like substance with a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell.; It is said to be very nutritious and is made into a drink or can be added to cereals and used in making bread etc.; One ounce of salep is said to be enough to sustain a person for a day.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy hills and open woods on base-rich and especially on calcareous soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)