Bog Candle Orchid Blossoms, Unalaska Island Postcard

The bog candle orchid (Platanthera dilatata), or white bog orchid, is found in the marshlands of Unalaska Island. It will grow in standing water and likes extremely moist soil where water collects. When the flowering stalks are in bloom, the clusters of white flowers look like candles standing upright in the marshes. Bog candles are one of many species of orchid growing on Unalaska Island. All orchids found on Unalaska are true members of the orchid family. This photo offers a closeup view of the small white flowers on the orchid's stalk. The top petal droops over, forming a kind of hood while a petal on either side spread outward like wings. The lower petal is elongated like a tail, making the blossoms look like some kind of strange white bird.