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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Small Green Wood Orchid need?
- Small Green Wood Orchid grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Small Green Wood Orchid bloom?
- Small Green Wood Orchid blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Small Green Wood Orchid native?
- Small Green Wood Orchid (Platanthera clavellata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Small Green Wood Orchid HOA-friendly?
- Small Green Wood 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 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 Small Green Wood Orchid? 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