Broad-leaved helleborine
ExplorePlants
Broad-leaved helleborine
Epipactis helleborine
The Broad-leaved helleborine is a beautiful flower that grows in shady places. It has broad leaves and tall stems with clusters of lovely greenish-purple flowers that bloom in summer.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Broad-leaved helleborine has a tall, leafy stem holding many small, drooping flowers. These unusual orchid flowers are often greenish-purple or brownish, making them hard to spot against their woodland backdrop. It stands out with its broad, ribbed leaves spiraling up the stem.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusEpipactis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's a wild orchid, but it grows in many places, even your garden!
It's part of the huge orchid family, one of the biggest plant families on Earth!
Its flowers are often greenish-purple, making them tricky to spot in dappled shade!
This plant can sometimes grow straight out of cracks in pavements or old walls!
Special abilities
Ability
Wasp Whisperer
Broad-leaved helleborine produces nectar that can slightly intoxicate wasps, making them efficient pollinators.
Ability
Underground Eater
Broad-leaved helleborine uses special root fungi to help it absorb nutrients from the soil, especially as a seedling.
Ability
Seed Shower
Broad-leaved helleborine creates thousands of dust-like seeds that can travel far on the wind to find new homes.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Attracted to its nectar
eaten by
black slug
Arion ater
Slugs feed on its leaves
eaten by
roe deer
Capreolus capreolus
Deer graze on the plant
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick flowers; they are best enjoyed in nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Broad-leaved helleborine?
20-100 cm
How big are the flowers on Broad-leaved helleborine?
1-2 cm
When does Broad-leaved helleborine bloom?
Summer
Is Broad-leaved helleborine edible?
No
Is Broad-leaved helleborine toxic?
Mild
What is Broad-leaved helleborine's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Broad-leaved helleborine pollinated?
Insect
Where is Broad-leaved helleborine usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
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