Currently, extant populations of the orchid are found in Iowa, Kansas, Manitoba, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

P. praeclara is distinguished from Platanthera leucophaea, the eastern prairie fringed orchid, by its slightly larger flowers, petal shape, and longer nectar spur.

P. praeclara has persisted in areas that have been lightly grazed, periodically burned, or regularly mowed.

[1] The major factor contributing to the decline of P. praeclara has been the conversion of native prairie to croplands.

[6] The Nature Conservancy of Canada has protected habitat for 25% of the global population of Western Prairie Fringed Orchid.