Minnesota Wildflowers


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Malaxis unifolia (Green Adder's-mouth)

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

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular raceme

[photo of flowers] 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: simple

[photo of leaf] 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. 

Where to buy native seed and plants

Help support this site by buying seeds & plants from these vendors. Tell them we sent you!

  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite
  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

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

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