Green Adder's-mouth
Malaxis unifolia
Last reviewed: July 2026
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
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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 Green Adder'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