Autumn Coralroot
Corallorhiza odontorhiza
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz