How much sun does Yellow Bird's-nest need?

Yellow Bird's-nest grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Yellow Bird's-nest bloom?

Yellow Bird's-nest blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Yellow Bird's-nest native?

Yellow Bird's-nest (Hypopitys monotropa) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Yellow Bird's-nest HOA-friendly?

Yellow Bird's-nest takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Yellow Bird's-nest

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hypopitys monotropa

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 38 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow Bird's-nest need?: Yellow Bird's-nest grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Yellow Bird's-nest bloom?: Yellow Bird's-nest blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Yellow Bird's-nest native?: Yellow Bird's-nest (Hypopitys monotropa) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Yellow Bird's-nest HOA-friendly?: Yellow Bird's-nest 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 Yellow Bird's-nest? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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