Plant species

common twayblade Neottia ovata

Orchidaceae

Species information

Other scientific names

Listera ovataEpipactis ovataOphrys ovata

Description

A green terrestrial orchid characterised by two large opposite ovate leaves on the stem. Above them rises a long, many-flowered raceme of small greenish flowers with a conspicuously elongated, deeply two-lobed lip.

Plant traits

Growth form

orchid

Life cycle

perennial

Height

30–50 cm

Typical season

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

forest · mesic grasslands · wet grasslands · forest edge

Light

partial shade · full sun

Moisture

mesic · moist

Soil

indifferent

Substrate

indifferent

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Nectar is secreted at the base of the lip and forms a feeding trail for small insect visitors. The tiny orchid seeds are released from capsules and are dispersed by wind.