Summer Coralroot
Corallorhiza maculata
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
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 Summer Coralroot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.