How much sun does Northern Green Orchid need?

Northern Green Orchid grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Northern Green Orchid bloom?

Northern Green Orchid blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Northern Green Orchid native?

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera aquilonis) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Northern Green Orchid attract?

Northern Green Orchid draws bees and moths.

Is Northern Green Orchid HOA-friendly?

Northern Green Orchid takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Northern Green Orchid

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Platanthera aquilonis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera aquilonis) 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

high

Size

6"–24" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, CT, IA, ID and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Northern green orchid is a delicate native wildflower that produces slender spikes of small greenish-white flowers from June through August. This woodland orchid thrives in consistently moist, shaded areas and forms narrow clumps that stay compact over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Green Orchid 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.

Appears wild and weedy to untrained eye
Small inconspicuous flowers may look unkempt
Goes completely dormant leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and night-flying moths during the summer blooming period. As a native orchid, it supports specialized pollinators that have co-evolved with this species.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Green Orchid need?: Northern Green Orchid grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Northern Green Orchid bloom?: Northern Green Orchid blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Northern Green Orchid native?: Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera aquilonis) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Northern Green Orchid attract?: Northern Green Orchid draws bees and moths.
Is Northern Green Orchid HOA-friendly?: Northern Green 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.

Ready to grow Northern Green Orchid? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz