Neottia banksiana (Lindl.) Rchb.f.

Northwestern Twayblade

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Listera banksiana, Listera caurina, Neottia caurina, Ophrys caurina

Neottia banksiana, known as the Northwestern Twayblade, is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and grows in moist coniferous forests, boggy wooded slopes, fens, subalpine meadows, and floodplains.
The orchid grows up to 30 cm. The opposite leaves are above the middle of the stem. The loose raceme has up to 25 small yellowish green flowers. Lateral sepals and petals are spreading and sickle-shaped. The labellum is wedge-shaped, with a broad, rounded apex. Some plants have a slight notch or tooth at the apex. Two dark green stripes extend to the base of the labellum.

Neottia banksiana's global rank is apparently secure.

Pollination

Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.

Ecosystem Type

Alpine or subalpine zones, bogs, fens, floodplains, forests, meadows

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
opposite
Number of leaves on stem:
two
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is simple
Main color of labellum:
green to brown
Nectar spur:
absent
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum is simple
Labellum length:
4.5–6 mm
Sepal length:
2.8–4 mm
Plant height:
5–30 cm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank Apparently Secure
US Status N/A
Canadian Status Secure

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data