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Longbract Frog Orchid

Dactylorhiza viridis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Longbract Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis)
Photo: Thierry Arbault / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Longbract Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, CT, IA, ID and 28 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

Northwestern Forested MountainsSouthern RockiesHigh PlainsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern ForestsNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Longbract frog orchid is a rare native orchid that produces small, greenish flowers on short spikes from late spring through summer. This diminutive wildflower grows in a compact clump and prefers sunny, well-drained locations. It is an uncommon species that requires specific growing conditions and may be difficult to establish in typical garden settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Longbract Frog Orchid takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Orchid flowers are extremely subtle and may appear weedy to untrained eyes
  • Very small stature can look sparse in formal landscapes
  • Specialized native plant may be viewed as unconventional

Wildlife value

As a native orchid, this species provides nectar for small native pollinators including flies and small beetles. However, its rarity and specialized habitat requirements mean it has limited overall wildlife impact in most garden settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Longbract Frog Orchid need?
Longbract Frog Orchid grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Longbract Frog Orchid bloom?
Longbract Frog Orchid blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Longbract Frog Orchid native?
Longbract Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 28 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Longbract Frog Orchid HOA-friendly?
Longbract Frog Orchid 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 Longbract Frog Orchid? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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