All flowers
Broad-leaved Helleborine Wikimedia Commons
Orchidaceae

Broad-leaved Helleborine

Epipactis helleborine

Adaptability.

Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Epipactis
Native to
Europe, Western Asia
Bloom season
Summer
Type
terrestrial orchid
Height
1-3 ft
Sunlight
part shade to full shade
Soil
alkaline, well-drained, calcareous
Water
moderate
Hardiness
4-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • It is one of the most successful orchids at colonizing urban environments, growing in sidewalk cracks and city parks.
  • The flowers produce a nectar that contains ethanol, which intoxicates visiting wasps and ensures longer pollination visits.
  • It was introduced to North America accidentally and has become naturalized across much of the continent.
  • Unlike most orchids, it can grow in deep shade and even thrives under dense tree canopy.
  • Social wasps are the primary pollinators, which is unusual since most orchids rely on bees or moths.

Color meanings

0

mystery

1

resilience

Uses

  • naturalistic gardens
  • shade gardens
  • orchid collections