Orthilia secunda
one-sided wintergreen
Overview
Orthilia secunda is a small, creeping, evergreen perennial in the heath family, growing 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall from slender, branching rhizomes in cool forest floors. Oval to egg-shaped leaves 0.5-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long are mostly clustered near the base of the stem, finely toothed, and remain green through winter. In summer a leafless flowering stalk rises and curves, carrying 5 to 25 small, nodding, greenish-white bell-shaped flowers all turned to one side, each about 0.2 inch (5 mm) long with a long straight style protruding from the mouth. The one-sided arrangement gives the plant its common name. After flowering, round, dry seed capsules develop along the upright stalk. The species depends on partnerships with soil fungi and spreads slowly by rhizome, forming loose patches rather than dense mats. It grows in coniferous and mixed forests, often in moss and deep leaf litter, across the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is difficult to transplant or cultivate because of its fungal associations and need for cool, undisturbed soil.
Native Range
Native across the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including northern and montane North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows in coniferous and mixed forests, on mossy ground, and in deep leaf litter on cool, shaded soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in cool woodland gardens, shaded rock gardens, and native plant collections where acidic, fungal-rich soil can be maintained. It suits naturalistic plantings under conifers rather than conventional borders. The evergreen leaves hold interest through winter in mild-snow regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Greenish-white bell-shaped flowers open in summer, from June to August depending on elevation and latitude. The blooms hang in a one-sided row along a curved stalk. Dry seed capsules ripen along the now-upright stem in late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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