The genus Platanthera belongs to the subfamily Orchidoideae of the family Orchidaceae, and comprises about 150 species of orchids.

Still, P. nivea, P. clavellata and P. integra all have stigmatic processes, showing the limitations of morphological characteristics in defining this clade.

The inflorescence is terminal and solitary, and the flowers form a cylindrical spike that ranges from sparse to dense.

More than 400 species, subspecies, and varieties have been described, and a 1997 study estimated around 85 species were clearly defined,[9] though these quantities vary considerably between evolving classification systems, and naturally change as specimens are reanalyzed or newly acquired.

Major centers of diversity are found in North America and East Asia.