Autumn Coralroot
Corallorhiza odontorhiza
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Autumn Coralroot (Corallorhiza odontorhiza) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Autumn coralroot is a small, unusual orchid that lacks green leaves and obtains nutrients through a relationship with soil fungi. This native wildflower produces small brownish-purple flowers on slender stems from summer through early fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Autumn Coralroot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears as bare leafless brown stems that look dead or weedy
- May disappear entirely for years at a time
- Extremely uncommon appearance unfamiliar to most people
Wildlife value
As an orchid, it provides nectar for small insects and contributes to forest ecosystem diversity, though it is not a major pollinator plant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Autumn Coralroot need?
- Autumn Coralroot grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Autumn Coralroot bloom?
- Autumn Coralroot blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Autumn Coralroot native?
- Autumn Coralroot (Corallorhiza odontorhiza) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Autumn Coralroot HOA-friendly?
- Autumn Coralroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Autumn Coralroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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