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Small Green Wood Orchid

Platanthera clavellata

Last reviewed: August 2026

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

Toxicity unknown

Small Green Wood Orchid (Platanthera clavellata) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 28 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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