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Small Green Wood Orchid

Habenaria clavellata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Small Green Wood Orchid (Habenaria clavellata)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

GA

The Small Green Wood Orchid is a delicate native orchid that produces small, greenish-white flowers on slender stems during summer and early fall. This petite perennial grows in compact clumps and requires consistent moisture to thrive. As a native orchid, it can be challenging to establish and maintain in typical garden settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Small Green Wood 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.

  • Extremely small and inconspicuous appearance
  • Can easily look like weeds or bare spots
  • Difficult to maintain consistent garden appearance

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited, this orchid likely supports small native moths and specialized pollinators that are adapted to native orchids.

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.