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Loesel's Twayblade

Liparis loeselii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Loesel's Twayblade (Liparis loeselii)
Photo: Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomè / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Loesel's Twayblade (Liparis loeselii) 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

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsOzark HighlandsGreat PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Loesel's twayblade is a small, delicate native orchid with narrow leaves and tiny greenish-yellow flowers on slender stems. This rare wetland species grows naturally in boggy areas and requires consistently moist, specialized growing conditions. It has a subtle appearance that can easily be overlooked among other vegetation.

In an HOA neighborhood

Loesel's Twayblade 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 and inconspicuous appearance
  • Requires specialized wetland conditions
  • May appear absent or dormant for extended periods

Wildlife value

As a native orchid, it provides specialized nectar sources for small insects, though specific pollinators are not well documented. Its rarity makes it more valuable for conservation than general wildlife support.

Common questions

How much sun does Loesel's Twayblade need?
Loesel's Twayblade grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Loesel's Twayblade bloom?
Loesel's Twayblade blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Loesel's Twayblade native?
Loesel's Twayblade (Liparis loeselii) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Loesel's Twayblade HOA-friendly?
Loesel's Twayblade 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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