Neottia, Genus, nidus-avis, Species,
- Genus & species
bird's-nest orchid
Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa
Overview
Neottia nidus-avis, the bird-nest orchid, is a leafless, honey-brown perennial orchid that contains no chlorophyll and obtains all its carbon from soil fungi linked to nearby trees. The whole plant is pale brown to ochre, 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) tall, the unbranched stem clothed in a few brown scale-like sheaths in place of leaves. Its common name comes from the dense, tangled mass of short, fleshy roots at the base, which resembles a bird nest. From May to July the upper stem carries a spike of 15-50 brownish flowers, each about 0.4 inch (10 mm) across, with a two-lobed lip and a faint honey scent that draws small flies and gnats. Because it depends entirely on a fungal partner, it appears in deep shade under beech and other trees on humus-rich, often calcareous soil, and it cannot be transplanted or cultivated like green orchids. Plants may stay dormant underground for several years between appearances, surviving on their fungal connection. The brown colouring and shaded woodland habitat make it easy to overlook among leaf litter.
Native Range
Neottia nidus-avis is native across Europe and into temperate Asia and North Africa, growing in shady deciduous and mixed woodland, especially under beech, on humus-rich and frequently calcareous soils. It is absent from North America.Suggested Uses
This is a wild woodland species of botanical and conservation interest rather than a garden plant. It is observed in nature reserves and ancient woodland, where its brown spikes appear among leaf litter in early summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'6"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from May to July. The 15-50 honey-brown flowers open along the upper stem and give off a faint honey scent that attracts small flies and gnats, though many flowers also self-pollinate. Dust-like seed is shed in late summer and can only develop where the right soil fungus is present.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
brown scale-leaves; no green foliageGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 2 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
