Listera sp.
Twayblade, Twayblade
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Listera sp. (Twayblade) is a native California perennial in the Orchidaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Platanthera: Listera has exactly two opposite leaves at mid-stem, while Platanthera has several alternate leaves up the stem.; vs Epipactis: Listera has exactly two opposite leaves at mid-stem, while Epipactis has multiple pleated leaves arranged alternately up the stem.; vs Goodyera: Listera has two leaves at mid-stem, while Goodyera has a basal rosette of leaves at ground level.; vs Spiranthes: Listera has two broad leaves at mid-stem, while Spiranthes has narrow leaves clustered near the base.; vs Piperia: Listera has two broad leaves at mid-stem, while Piperia has basal leaves that often wither before flowering.
Frequently asked questions
Is Listera sp. native to California?
Yes. Listera sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Listera sp. belong to?
Listera sp. is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Listera.
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.