Neottia banksiana
Northwest twayblade, Northwestern Twayblade
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Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Neottia banksiana (Northwest twayblade) is a native California herb in the Orchidaceae family, recognized by Twayblade w/ leaf base tapered/rounded (not cordate) & lip entire, rounded, 4.5–7 mm — NCo & Klamath conifer forest.
Northwest twayblade is a California native plant found in the North Coast and Klamath Ranges bioregions in moist, shady conifer forest at elevations from 100 to 1,900 meters. Flowering from April to June, it grows 10 to 30 centimeters tall with a short, few-flowered inflorescence and an oblanceolate lip 4.5 to 7 millimeters long that tapers to the base and bears two thread-like teeth.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Twayblade w/ leaf base tapered/rounded (not cordate) & lip entire, rounded, 4.5–7 mm — NCo & Klamath conifer forest
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist, shady conifer forest
Elevation: 100--1900 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Del Norte
Outside California: to Alaska, Montana, Wyoming
Bloom period
Neottia banksiana blooms Apr--Jun.
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 Neottia banksiana native to California?
Yes. Neottia banksiana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Neottia banksiana bloom?
Neottia banksiana blooms Apr--Jun.
Where in California does Neottia banksiana grow?
Neottia banksiana occurs in Siskiyou, Del Norte, at elevations of 100--1900 m.
What plant family does Neottia banksiana belong to?
Neottia banksiana is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Neottia.
What habitat does Neottia banksiana grow in?
Neottia banksiana grows in Moist, shady conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.