Creeping Lady's Tresses
Goodyera repens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CO, CT, ID and 18 more states
Creeping lady's tresses is a small native orchid that forms low mats of attractive variegated leaves with white veining. It produces delicate white flower spikes in late summer and maintains its foliage year-round in shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Creeping Lady's Tresses 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 size makes it appear sparse in formal landscapes
- Orchid flowers may not be recognized as intentional plantings
- Very slow spreading can look patchy for years
Wildlife value
This native orchid provides nectar for small native bees and other pollinators during its summer bloom period.
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.
Does Creeping Lady's Tresses fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.