Epipactis helleborine
broad-leaved helleborine
Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia
Overview
Epipactis helleborine is a terrestrial orchid native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, growing 12-32 inches (30-80 cm) tall from a short rhizome. Broad, strongly ribbed leaves 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long spiral up the single stem, clasping it at the base. From midsummer into early autumn it produces a loose spike of 15 to 50 small flowers, each about 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) across in muted shades of green, dull pink, and purple-brown. The cupped lower lip holds nectar that draws wasps, which are the main pollinators. Like most orchids, it depends on soil fungi to germinate and establish, so it cannot be transplanted reliably. E. helleborine was introduced to North America in the 1800s and has naturalized widely, often appearing in gardens, woodlands, and along roadsides and sidewalks. It tolerates deep shade and disturbed urban soils where few other orchids grow. In many regions it behaves as a weed, spreading by dust-like seed.
Native Range
Epipactis helleborine is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It grows in deciduous and coniferous woodland, scrub, dune slacks, and roadsides, and has naturalized across much of North America since its introduction in the 19th century.Suggested Uses
Epipactis helleborine is rarely planted on purpose and is most often encountered as a self-introduced orchid in shaded gardens and woodland. Where it is welcomed, it adds late-summer bloom in dry shade that challenges many plants. In other settings it is managed as a weed.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'8"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from midsummer into early autumn, roughly July to September. The 15 to 50 small flowers open from the bottom of the spike upward over several weeks, in dull green, pink, and purple-brown tones. Wasps visiting for nectar carry out most pollination.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to purple-brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight