Crippled Cranefly
Tipularia discolor
Last reviewed: June 2026
Tipularia discolor (Crippled Cranefly) is a native orchid found across eastern and central United States that blooms July through September with distinctive greenish-purple flowers that attract moths.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 22 more states
Pollinators
moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Crippled cranefly orchid is a rare native orchid that produces a single mottled leaf in fall and winter, followed by a delicate spike of small greenish flowers in summer. This uncommon woodland species requires specific growing conditions and is challenging to establish in typical garden settings.
Growing Crippled Cranefly
Grow Crippled Cranefly in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Crippled Cranefly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely uncommon and may appear as weeds to most people
- Invisible for much of the growing season
- Difficult to maintain and may not establish successfully
Wildlife value
This orchid attracts moths as its primary pollinators during its summer blooming period. As a native orchid species, it provides specialized habitat for certain moth species.
Common questions
- When does Tipularia discolor bloom?
- Tipularia discolor blooms from July through September, producing distinctive spikes of small greenish-purple flowers.
- What pollinators visit Tipularia discolor?
- Moths are the primary pollinators of Tipularia discolor, attracted to the flowers during evening and nighttime hours.
- Where is Tipularia discolor native?
- This orchid is native across much of the eastern and central United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas, North Dakota, and many states in between.
- What growing conditions does Tipularia discolor prefer?
- Tipularia discolor thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions with medium moisture levels, making it well-suited for woodland gardens.
- Is Crippled Cranefly HOA-friendly?
- Crippled Cranefly 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 Crippled Cranefly? 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