Stream Orchid
Epipactis gigantea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Epipactis gigantea is a native orchid found in wetlands across western North America from California to Wyoming. This Stream Orchid blooms June through August with pink and green flowers.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 8"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Stream orchid is a native wetland perennial that produces elegant spikes of greenish-purple flowers in summer. This moisture-loving plant thrives in consistently wet soils and partial shade, making it ideal for bog gardens or stream edges.
Growing Stream Orchid
Grow Stream Orchid in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 8 to 18 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stream Orchid 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.
- Requires very wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
- Wild orchid appearance may seem too naturalistic for formal landscapes
- Specialized growing requirements make it difficult to maintain consistently
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. As a native orchid, it provides specialized habitat value for native pollinators.
Common questions
- Where does Epipactis gigantea naturally grow?
- Stream Orchid is native to 14 western states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
- When does Stream Orchid bloom?
- Epipactis gigantea typically blooms from June through August, producing distinctive pink and green orchid flowers.
- What pollinators visit Stream Orchid?
- Epipactis gigantea is primarily pollinated by bees and flies that are attracted to its summer blooms.
- What growing conditions does Stream Orchid prefer?
- This orchid thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to shaded conditions, making it well-suited for streamside and wetland plantings.
- Is Stream Orchid HOA-friendly?
- Stream 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Stream Orchid? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz