How much sun does Spring Coralroot need?

Spring Coralroot grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Spring Coralroot bloom?

Spring Coralroot blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Spring Coralroot native?

Spring Coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Spring Coralroot HOA-friendly?

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

Spring Coralroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Corallorhiza wisteriana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Spring Coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana) 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

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago

Spring coralroot is a rare native orchid that emerges briefly in spring woodlands. This unusual plant lacks chlorophyll and gets nutrients through a relationship with soil fungi, appearing as delicate reddish-brown stems with small flowers.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spring Coralroot 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.

Invisible most of the year, appearing dead or absent
Extremely difficult to establish and maintain
May be mistaken for weeds when present

Wildlife value

As a native orchid, it may attract specialized pollinators, though pollinator relationships are not well documented for this species.

Common questions

How much sun does Spring Coralroot need?: Spring Coralroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Spring Coralroot bloom?: Spring Coralroot blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Spring Coralroot native?: Spring Coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Spring Coralroot HOA-friendly?: Spring Coralroot 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Spring Coralroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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