How much sun does Southern Twayblade need?

Southern Twayblade grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Southern Twayblade bloom?

Southern Twayblade blooms in May and June.

Where is Southern Twayblade native?

Southern Twayblade (Neottia bifolia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Southern Twayblade HOA-friendly?

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

Southern Twayblade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Neottia bifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Southern Twayblade (Neottia bifolia) 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

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Neottia bifolia is a rare native orchid that produces small, inconspicuous flowers on short stems in late spring. This diminutive woodland plant has two small leaves and requires specific soil conditions to thrive. It is extremely uncommon in cultivation and difficult to establish in typical garden settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Southern Twayblade takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely small and inconspicuous appearance
May be mistaken for weeds or volunteers
Orchids are often considered too specialized for typical landscaping

Wildlife value

As a native orchid, it likely supports specialized pollinators, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented. Its rarity means it has limited practical wildlife value in most residential landscapes.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern Twayblade need?: Southern Twayblade grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Southern Twayblade bloom?: Southern Twayblade blooms in May and June.
Where is Southern Twayblade native?: Southern Twayblade (Neottia bifolia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Southern Twayblade HOA-friendly?: Southern Twayblade 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.

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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