How much sun does Pacific Coralroot need?

Pacific Coralroot grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Pacific Coralroot bloom?

Pacific Coralroot blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Pacific Coralroot native?

Pacific Coralroot (Corallorhiza mertensiana) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pacific Coralroot attract?

Pacific Coralroot draws bees and flies.

Is Pacific Coralroot HOA-friendly?

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

Pacific Coralroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Corallorhiza mertensiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pacific Coralroot (Corallorhiza mertensiana) 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

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains

Pacific coralroot is a unique native orchid that grows without green leaves, appearing as reddish-brown stems with small coral-colored flowers. This fascinating parasitic plant obtains nutrients through underground fungal partnerships rather than photosynthesis. It emerges unpredictably in summer, creating delicate spikes in shaded woodland areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pacific Coralroot 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.

Appears leafless and can look like dead stems
Emerges unpredictably and may not appear every year
Very unconventional appearance for typical landscaping

Wildlife value

The small orchid flowers attract native bees and flies during summer blooming periods. As a native species, it contributes to local ecosystem diversity.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific Coralroot need?: Pacific Coralroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pacific Coralroot bloom?: Pacific Coralroot blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Pacific Coralroot native?: Pacific Coralroot (Corallorhiza mertensiana) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pacific Coralroot attract?: Pacific Coralroot draws bees and flies.
Is Pacific Coralroot HOA-friendly?: Pacific Coralroot 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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