Skip to main content

Wild Coco

Eulophia alta

Last reviewed: June 2026

Wild Coco (Eulophia alta)
Photo: Alfred Cogniaux (1841 - 1916) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

FL, GA

Wild coco is a native terrestrial orchid that produces tall spikes of small, greenish-brown flowers from spring through early summer. This uncommon perennial grows from underground pseudobulbs and may go dormant during dry periods, disappearing completely above ground.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wild Coco 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.

  • Completely disappears when dormant, leaving bare spots
  • Inconspicuous flowers may appear weedy to neighbors
  • Unpredictable emergence timing creates maintenance challenges

Wildlife value

As a native orchid, it likely attracts specialized native pollinators including small bees and flies, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.

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 Wild Coco fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.