Neottia cordata
Heart-leaved twayblade
(c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Neottia cordata (Heart-leaved twayblade) is a native California herb in the Orchidaceae family, recognized by Twayblade w/ cordate (heart-shaped) leaf bases & long (8–10 mm) deeply 2-lobed lip — NCo & Klamath.
Heart-leaved twayblade is a California native found in the North Coast and Klamath Ranges bioregions, growing in moist, shady conifer forests at elevations from 100 to 1,300 meters. Flowering from March to June, this small orchid reaches 6 to 25 centimeters tall and bears heart-shaped, cordate-based leaves along with a deeply two-lobed lip 8 to 10 millimeters long bearing two short basal teeth.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Twayblade w/ cordate (heart-shaped) leaf bases & long (8–10 mm) deeply 2-lobed lip — NCo & Klamath
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist, shady conifer forests
Elevation: 100--1300 m
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern North America, Eurasia
Bloom period
Neottia cordata blooms Mar--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 cordata native to California?
Yes. Neottia cordata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Neottia cordata bloom?
Neottia cordata blooms Mar--Jun.
What plant family does Neottia cordata belong to?
Neottia cordata is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Neottia.
What habitat does Neottia cordata grow in?
Neottia cordata grows in Moist, shady conifer forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora
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.