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

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 432 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 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.

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