broadleaf helleborine
Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz
Broadleaf helleborine is a rhizomatous orchid with a leafy flowering stem, usually 25–80 cm tall. Its numerous small flowers are gathered into an elongated cluster that often faces mainly to one side. Kew Plants of the World Online: Epipactis helleborineFlora of North America: Epipactis helleborine
Botanical name
Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz is accepted in Orchidaceae. Its North American populations are introduced; they are not evidence of a North American native range. Kew Plants of the World Online: Epipactis helleborine
Recognizing the plant
A stem carries several broad leaves, ranging from rounded or elliptical to narrower, lance-shaped blades. The flowering cluster commonly holds fifteen to fifty flowers. Sepals are green, sometimes flushed purple, while the petals can combine green, pink, purple or yellow. The lip is divided by a narrow waist into two contrasting portions: an inner cup, often purple-brown, and an outer triangular part that bends backward. Two small raised calluses occur at the base of that outer portion. The developing seed capsules are about 9–14 mm long. Flora of North America: Epipactis helleborine
Bloom window
North America
The North American flora gives a flowering season of June through October across its treatment area. Flora of North America: Epipactis helleborine
Native range
Its native range extends from northwestern Africa through Europe to China. It has become naturalized in North America, where records include shaded woodland, forest streams, cedar swamps and disturbed settings such as lawns and pavement cracks. Kew Plants of the World Online: Epipactis helleborineFlora of North America: Epipactis helleborine
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.