Lawn Orchid (Zeuxine strateumatica): Tiny Terrestrial Orchid

Lawn orchid, also called soldier orchid or centipede grass orchid, is a tiny, terrestrial orchid that appears in lawns and disturbed areas in winter and spring. It has a basal rosette of fleshy leaves and a short spike of minute, white and green flowers.

Botanical Profile

Native to Asia, this orchid has naturalized in the southeastern US. It grows in moist, shady lawns and woodland edges. It's an annual or short-lived perennial that self-seeds. A delightful surprise in winter lawns; mowing should be delayed until seed set.