Description: The Eastern prairie fringed orchid has smaller flowers – up to one inch
in length – than the Western prairie fringed orchid. There are a few
other small differences between these two species, which until recently
were considered a single species. Because these technical differences
are small, it requires an expert to separate the species.
Habitat and Habits: These are essentially the same as those of
the Western prairie fringed orchid.
Distribution: This species is known in seven states east of the
Mississippi River and in eastern Iowa. The Eastern prairie fringed
orchid currently occurs at four sites in Iowa.
Conservation Efforts: Landowner cooperation will be sought to
insure protection of known populations of the orchid.
Reasons For Listing: Like the Western prairie fringed orchid, the
Eastern has declined in Iowa due to the loss of suitable habitat.
Funding Provided
by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
