Only recently the actually rather old realization is winning recognition again that there are different distinct clans of the Lesser Butterfly Orchid in central and northern Europe. Platanthera bifolia subsp. bifolia is the Lesser Butterfly Orchid described by Linné from Sweden. The plant shown here is of a delicate stature (10 - 35 cm) with a often dense inflorescence consisting of relatively small flowers. The lip is scarcely longer than the lateral sepals. It blooms relatively late. It occurs e.g. on acidic heath and moor sites in Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Netherlands and northern Germany, probably also rarely in the Alps. However, it is not identical with the large Lesser Butterfly Orchid Platanthera bifolia subsp. latiflora, which is the most common and widespread clan in Central Europe.