White Egret Flower

Pecteilis radiata

Flower name
White Egret Flower
Scientific name
Pecteilis radiata
Alias鷺草, サギラン, Pecteilis radiata, White Egret Flower, Fringed Orchid, Sagiso
Place of originJapan, Korea, Taiwan
Place of floweringWetlands, Botanical Gardens, Low mountains
Flowering seasonJuly, August, September
Language of flowers"Purity," "Delicacy," and "Mystery."

What is White Egret Flower

Flower Named After a Bird - Sagiso (Egret Flower) and Himeji Castle

White Egret Flower, Egret Flower or Sagiso in Japanese, Scientific Name: Pecteilis radiata) is a perennial orchid native to Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Taiwan. Also known as Sagiran in Japanese and White Egret Flower, Fringed Orchid, or Sagiso in English. In Japan, it is found in lowland wetlands across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
The plant's stem reaches 20-40 cm in height, with basal leaves that are linear and alternate. From July to September, it produces flower stalks from between the basal leaves, and 1-3 flowers, each about 3 cm in diameter and length, resembling a white egret in flight. The flowers are pollinated by hawk moths. Due to its beautiful appearance, it is a popular wildflower.

Egret - Bird, Flower, and Castle

The beautiful bird name "Egret" inspired the naming of both flowers and castles. The flower Sagiso (Egret Flower) resembles an egret preparing to take flight, while Himeji Castle is also known as "White Egret Castle" due to its elegant appearance.

Left: Egret (Great Egret, photo by Aki Fujita), Center: Egret Flower, Right: White Egret Castle

Structure of the Sagiso Flower

Structure of the Sagiso Flower（Japanese explanation only.）

At the end of the flower stalk:
Three sepals: one green dorsal sepal and two green lateral sepals
Three petals: two lateral petals fused into one, and one white labellum split into three parts resembling an egret
The middle lobe corresponds to the head of the egret, while the lateral petals represent the wings, with feather-like notches
In the center of the labellum, at its base, there are a column (gynostemium) and a spur.
Origin of the Flower's Name

The flower's color and shape resemble a "Shirasagi" (white egret) spreading its wings in flight. The genus name Pecteilis comes from the Latin word "pecten" (meaning "comb teeth"), referring to the fine notches in the lateral sepals, resembling an egret's feathers. The species name radiata is Latin for "radiant" or "radiating."

Flower Meanings
"Purity," "Delicacy," and "Mystery."

Common Name: Sagiso (Egret Flower)
Scientific Name: Pecteilis radiata
Synonym: Habenaria radiata
Other Names: Sagiran, White Egret Flower, Fringed Orchid, Sagiso
Classification: Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Angiosperms, Class: Monocots, Order: Asparagales, Family: Orchidaceae, Genus: Pecteilis, Species: P. radiata
Origin: Japan, Korean Peninsula, Taiwan
Habitat Distribution: Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu in Japan
Living Environment: Lowland wetlands
Stem Height: 20-40 cm
Leaf Characteristics: Basal leaves, linear shape, alternate arrangement
Blooming Period: July to September
Flower Diameter: 3 cm
Flower Length: 3 cm
Flower Color: White
Flower Arrangement: 1-3 flowers at the top of the stem
Spur: Length 3-4 cm, stores nectar
Pollination: Entomophilous (insect-pollinated)
Pollinator: Hawk moth
Fruit: Capsule
Usage: Ornamental (wildflower)