Cooper's rein orchid facts for kids

Platanthera cooperi is a special type of orchid often called Cooper's rein orchid or chaparral rein orchid. It's not very common to find, making it a unique plant.

Where Cooper's Rein Orchid Lives

This orchid is found only in certain areas, mainly in southern California and the border region of Baja California in Mexico. When a plant is found only in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place.

It loves to grow in specific natural areas like chaparral (dry, shrubby lands), coastal sage scrub (another type of dry, shrubby area near the coast), and oak woodlands (forests with oak trees).

You can find Platanthera cooperi in places like the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains. It also grows on Santa Catalina Island and San Clemente Island, which are part of the Channel Islands. Other spots include the Santa Ana Mountains and Cuyamaca Mountains.

What Cooper's Rein Orchid Looks Like

Platanthera cooperi grows straight up from the ground. It can reach a height of about 90 centimeters (that's almost 3 feet tall!).

At the bottom of the plant, its leaves can be up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long and 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) wide. As you look higher up the stem, the leaves become much smaller.

Near the top of the stem, you'll see a tall, spiky cluster of many small, green flowers. These flowers have a sweet, honey-like smell, especially in the evenings. You can usually see these orchids blooming from March to June.

Protecting This Special Orchid

Platanthera cooperi is considered a vulnerable species. This means it's a plant that could become endangered if we don't protect its habitats. The California Native Plant Society keeps track of rare and endangered plants, and this orchid is on their list. Protecting these special plants helps keep our natural world healthy and diverse.