ILLINOIS – With its recognizable lacy white wisps, the federally threatened Eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) once was one of the most distinct icons of the Illinois prairies. In recent years, however, there are fewer and fewer of the ornamental blooms decorating the prairies. That’s all changing now, though, as the USDA Forest Service teams up with the US Fish & Wildlife Service to bring these ornate native Illinois prairie plants back from the brink.

This summer volunteers and staff from the agencies multiplied their efforts to pollinate the struggling Eastern prairie fringed orchid – by hand – at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. They hope their dedicated work can result in increased seed production and ultimately, more of the Eastern prairie fringed orchids.

Eastern prairie fringed orchids are nocturnally fragrant and typically are pollinated by nocturnal hawk moths. Pollinating orchids by hand increases seed production thereby giving the species a better chance to increase its numbers and thrive.

“Little is known regarding hawk moth population health, and the orchid’s dependence on these insects make them vulnerable to fluctuations in hawk moth numbers,” said Botanist Michelle Pearion.

Using the tip of toothpick to move one pollen sac from one plant to another, the plants are pollinated by hand.    

“Pollinating by hand at other sites has proven successful, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is no exception,” Pearion said. “By lending a helping hand to the orchid, we should all enjoy the fruits of our labor for generations to come.”

With the recent efforts at the prairie and elsewhere, more Eastern prairie fringed orchids could be noticeably visible again soon. They like wet prairies and can grow well in wetter environments like sedge meadows or sometimes even in marshes. Restoration teams seem to already be on the right track in bringing them back to these environments.    

While out collecting data recently, Pearion happily encountered a positive sign of hope: An Eastern prairie fringed orchid that had been pollinated by hand just a few months ago boasted a sac plump with seeds.    

“It appears we’ve come full circle in our efforts to encourage growth of the species,” Pearion said. “We want to pollinate as many as we can again next year, as well. The more the better!”