Etymology: Listera: after Martin Lister (1638-1711), an English naturalist
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-10" tall forb; stems smooth below but mostly fuzzy above the leaves
Leaves: single pair, broad, opposite, stalkless, near the middle of the stem, 1/3"-1" long, much shorter than the stalk of the inflorescence
Flowers: green to purplish-red, 6-parted, 1/8"-1/4" wide, lip divided to the middle or more; inflorescence a 3/4"-4" terminal, spike-like cluster (raceme) with up to 25 stalked flowers; blooms June-July
Habitat: shady; wet; mossy conifer swamps
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACW USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos