Yellow Bird's-nest
Hypopitys monotropa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CT
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Yellow bird's-nest is an unusual native wildflower that lacks chlorophyll and appears as pale yellow or white stems topped with drooping, waxy flowers. This parasitic plant emerges from forest floors in summer, drawing nutrients from tree roots through fungal connections rather than photosynthesis.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Bird's-nest 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.
- Ghostly pale appearance looks alien and unintentional
- Extremely difficult to establish and maintain
- May not survive transplanting or cultivation
Wildlife value
This plant provides limited direct wildlife value as it has few known pollinators and its specialized growing requirements make it uncommon in typical garden settings.
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 Yellow Bird's-nest fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.