Homeowners Battling a Weedy Orchid Invading Lawns and Flowerbeds
Broad-leaved helleborine is once again causing trouble for homeowners who are finding it in their lawns and flowerbeds.
Broad-leaved helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) is quickly becoming a problem for homeowners this spring. We have had multiple samples submitted to MSU Diagnostic Services. This plant is in the orchid family, Orchidaceae, and is sometimes referred to as a “weedy” orchid. It was intentionally introduced from Europe and is spreading throughout Michigan in lawns, flower beds and along driveways. According to Voss’s Michigan Flora, roots and seeds of helleborine obtained from New York were intentionally planted in Niles, Mich. in 1891. It was noted to be widely established in the Niles area by 1919. It is not known whether any other plants discovered throughout Michigan were derived from this population. Helleborine is a monocot that arises …
