What makes Summer Coralroot different from other orchids?

Summer Coralroot is a saprophytic orchid that lacks green leaves and chlorophyll, instead obtaining nutrients through its coral-like underground rhizome and fungal partnerships.

Where does Corallorhiza maculata naturally grow?

Summer Coralroot is native to most US states from coast to coast, typically found in shaded woodlands and forest floors with rich organic soil.

When can I expect to see Summer Coralroot blooming?

Corallorhiza maculata blooms from June through August, producing small reddish-brown flowers on tall, leafless stems.

Is Summer Coralroot HOA-friendly?

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

Summer Coralroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Corallorhiza maculata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Corallorhiza maculata (Summer Coralroot) is a leafless orchid native across most US states that blooms June through August in partial shade woodlands.

Summer Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata) — Photo: (c) er-birds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by er-birds

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 35 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Summer coralroot is a native orchid that lacks chlorophyll and depends on soil fungi for nutrients. It produces delicate spikes of small, spotted flowers on leafless stems that emerge from the forest floor in summer.

Growing Summer Coralroot

Grow Summer Coralroot in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 2 to 6 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Summer Coralroot 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.

Appears only sporadically and unpredictably
Very wild and woodland appearance
May be mistaken for weeds or dead stems

Wildlife value

This orchid has specialized pollination needs and may attract small flies and gnats, though it has limited documented pollinator relationships.

Common questions

What makes Summer Coralroot different from other orchids?: Summer Coralroot is a saprophytic orchid that lacks green leaves and chlorophyll, instead obtaining nutrients through its coral-like underground rhizome and fungal partnerships.
Where does Corallorhiza maculata naturally grow?: Summer Coralroot is native to most US states from coast to coast, typically found in shaded woodlands and forest floors with rich organic soil.
When can I expect to see Summer Coralroot blooming?: Corallorhiza maculata blooms from June through August, producing small reddish-brown flowers on tall, leafless stems.
Is Summer Coralroot HOA-friendly?: Summer 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 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 Summer Coralroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

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