Cephalanthera sp.
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Cephalanthera sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Orchidaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Spiranthes: Cephalanthera starts pure white aging yellow/brown; Spiranthes has green stem with white flowers in spiral.; vs Corallorhiza: Cephalanthera is brilliant white aging yellow; Corallorhiza shows brown/pink/purple/red tones from start.; vs Piperia: Cephalanthera is entirely white/pale throughout; Piperia has green stems when leafless and flowering.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cephalanthera sp. native to California?
No. Cephalanthera sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Cephalanthera sp. belong to?
Cephalanthera sp. is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Cephalanthera.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.