Small Green Wood Orchid
Platanthera clavellata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Small green wood orchid is a delicate native wildflower that produces tiny greenish-white flowers on slender stems during summer months. This diminutive orchid grows in small clumps and goes completely dormant in winter, disappearing until the following growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small Green Wood 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.
- Completely disappears in winter leaving bare spots
- Flowers are very small and inconspicuous
- Can appear weedy or sparse in formal settings
Wildlife value
This orchid provides nectar for small native bees and flies during its summer blooming period. The specialized flowers attract pollinating insects that are important for maintaining healthy native ecosystems.
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.
Does Small Green Wood Orchid fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.