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Neottia banksiana

Orchidaceae

Northwestern Twayblade

Neottia banksiana
Stem erect, pair of opposite leaves clasping at midstem. Leaves nearly round, 1–3 in. long. Flowers small, few to 40 greenish yellow on upper 2–3 in. of stem. Flower has 3 sepals, 2 petals at top all about the same size, about 1/4 in. long; lower petal is longer; and broadly rounded at tip end, tapering toward center point, with a tiny thread-like tooth on each side near flower center. Grows in shady moist conifer forests, wet meadows, along streams, at mid elevations. Similar L. convallarioides, broad-leaved twayblade, has no teeth at top edge of lower petal, which is very narrow at base and also wide at tip end but notched with rounded lobes.

  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Flowering Time: Mid Summer
  • Flower Form: petals 3 or 6, orchids
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 4–12 inches
  • Habitat: Coastal, East-side Forest, Moist Riverbanks, West-side Forest
  • Found In: Crater Lake NP, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Wallowas, West Gorge
  • Native: Yes
  • Latin Synonyms: Listera caurina, Listera banksiana

Map of where Neottia banksiana is found