Malaxis unifolia (Green Adder's-mouth)

Plant Info

Also known as:
Genus:	Malaxis
Family:	Orchidaceae (Orchid)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	part sun to shade; coniferous bogs and swamps, open upland woods
Bloom season:	summer
Plant height:	4 to 11 inches
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Typically a thimble sized club or cyclindrical raceme of up to 84 irregular green flowers less than 1/8 inch long. The lower lip is divided into 2 lobes; 3 upper sepals spread out, and there are 2 thread-like lateral petals. The flowers are typically turned upside down.

Leaves and stem:

A single leaf is attached at about mid-stem, egg-shaped to elliptical with a pointed tip, 1 to 3 inches long, ½ to 1½ inches wide, sheathing the stem. Entire plant form very verticle-linear; stem smooth, sheathed at the base. 

Notes:

Another one of our midget orchids, Green Adder's-mouth may be more common in southern areas of the state but color and stature make it a difficult observation. 

Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk, taken at a private wet meadow/woodlot in Lino Lakes

Comments

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