Helleborine is a European orchid that has naturalized across much of eastern North America, thriving in shaded forests, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It produces spikes of greenish-purple flowers that produce intoxicating nectar attracting and mildly stupefying wasps. It has spread remarkably rapidly since its introduction in the 1800s.
Best time to see a Helleborine
The best time to see a Helleborine is June–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 23,136 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Helleborine? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Helleborine sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Helleborine? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Helleborine is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.