Dragon's Mouth
Arethusa bulbosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
4"–8" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CT, DE, IL, IN and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees
Dragon's mouth is a rare native orchid that produces a single striking pink flower with distinctive white and purple markings in late spring. This tiny woodland plant requires consistently moist, acidic soil and is extremely difficult to establish and maintain in typical garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dragon's Mouth 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 small size makes it nearly invisible in landscape
- Single leaf and flower create very sparse appearance
- Requires specialized bog conditions difficult to maintain
Wildlife value
The unique orchid flowers attract specialized native bees during its brief blooming period in May and June.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dragon's Mouth need?
- Dragon's Mouth grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Dragon's Mouth bloom?
- Dragon's Mouth blooms in May and June.
- Where is Dragon's Mouth native?
- Dragon's Mouth (Arethusa bulbosa) is native to CT, DE, IL, IN and 17 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Dragon's Mouth attract?
- Dragon's Mouth draws bees.
- Is Dragon's Mouth HOA-friendly?
- Dragon's Mouth 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 Dragon's Mouth? 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