Southern Twayblade
Listera australis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–10" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
MD
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Southern twayblade is a tiny native orchid that forms small, inconspicuous clumps in shaded areas. This delicate woodland plant produces small greenish flowers on short stems during late spring and summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern Twayblade 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.
- Extremely small and easily overlooked
- May appear to be dying or missing during dormancy
- Orchids can be perceived as weedy by those unfamiliar with natives
Wildlife value
As a native orchid, it likely supports specialized pollinators, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.
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 Southern Twayblade fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.