How much sun does Brown Widelip Orchid need?

Brown Widelip Orchid grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Brown Widelip Orchid bloom?

Brown Widelip Orchid blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Brown Widelip Orchid native?

Brown Widelip Orchid (Liparis liliifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Brown Widelip Orchid HOA-friendly?

Brown Widelip Orchid takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Brown Widelip Orchid

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Liparis liliifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Brown Widelip Orchid (Liparis liliifolia) 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

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Brown widelip orchid is a delicate native wildflower that produces small brownish-purple flowers on slender stems in late spring and early summer. This compact orchid grows in woodland conditions and may go dormant in hot summer weather, returning the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Brown Widelip Orchid 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.

Extremely small and easily overlooked
Flowers are brown and inconspicuous
May appear to be missing or dead much of the year

Wildlife value

This native orchid provides nectar for small native bees and flies during its bloom period in late spring and early summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Brown Widelip Orchid need?: Brown Widelip Orchid grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Brown Widelip Orchid bloom?: Brown Widelip Orchid blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Brown Widelip Orchid native?: Brown Widelip Orchid (Liparis liliifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Brown Widelip Orchid HOA-friendly?: Brown Widelip Orchid 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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Ready to grow Brown Widelip Orchid? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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