Lesser Twayblade
Neottia cordata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–8" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, CT, ID and 21 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Lesser twayblade is a tiny native orchid that forms small clumps in shaded areas. This delicate woodland plant produces inconspicuous greenish flowers on short stems above heart-shaped leaves. It naturally occurs in moist, rich soils under forest canopy.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lesser Twayblade 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.
- Extremely small and inconspicuous appearance
- Can be mistaken for weeds or bare ground
- May disappear seasonally making areas look empty
Wildlife value
As a native orchid, it provides specialized habitat value for forest ecosystems. Its small flowers may attract tiny flies and other minute pollinators, though it has limited general wildlife appeal.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lesser Twayblade need?
- Lesser Twayblade grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Lesser Twayblade bloom?
- Lesser Twayblade blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Lesser Twayblade native?
- Lesser Twayblade (Neottia cordata) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 21 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Lesser Twayblade HOA-friendly?
- Lesser 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 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 Lesser Twayblade? 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