How much sun does Green Adder's-mouth need?

Green Adder's-mouth grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Green Adder's-mouth bloom?

Green Adder's-mouth blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Green Adder's-mouth native?

Green Adder's-mouth (Malaxis unifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Green Adder's-mouth HOA-friendly?

Green Adder'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.

Green Adder's-mouth

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Malaxis unifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Green Adder's-mouth (Malaxis unifolia) 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

3"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Green adder's-mouth is a small native orchid that produces delicate spikes of tiny greenish flowers in summer. This petite woodland plant forms low clumps with a single oval leaf and prefers shaded, consistently moist conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Green Adder'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
Wild orchid appearance conflicts with typical landscaping expectations
Unpredictable presence due to dormancy cycles

Wildlife value

As a native orchid, it provides specialized habitat for certain small insects and contributes to woodland ecosystem diversity, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.

Common questions

How much sun does Green Adder's-mouth need?: Green Adder's-mouth grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Green Adder's-mouth bloom?: Green Adder's-mouth blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Green Adder's-mouth native?: Green Adder's-mouth (Malaxis unifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Green Adder's-mouth HOA-friendly?: Green Adder'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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Green Adder's-mouth? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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