Epipactis sp.
(c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel · licence
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Epipactis sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Orchidaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Maianthemum: Epipactis has pleated leaves and orchid flowers with a distinct lip petal, while Maianthemum has smooth leaves and tiny 4-parted flowers.; vs Veratrum: Epipactis leaves have 3-5 pleats and orchid flowers, while Veratrum has heavily pleated fan-like leaves and small 6-parted flowers in large clusters.; vs Platanthera: Epipactis leaves have multiple pleats and flowers lack spurs, while Platanthera leaves have one central fold and flowers have spurs.; vs Cymbidium: Epipactis has pleated leaves arranged up the stem, while cultivated Cymbidium has smooth strap-like leaves in clusters.; vs Iris: Epipactis has pleated leaves arranged alternately up the stem, while Iris has smooth sword-shaped leaves in fans from the base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Epipactis sp. native to California?
No. Epipactis sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Epipactis sp. belong to?
Epipactis sp. is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Epipactis.
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.