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Native Plants Anywhere

Crippled cranefly

Tipularia discolor

Crippled cranefly
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

About Crippled cranefly

Crippled cranefly is a charming native orchid that brings a touch of woodland magic to your garden. The delicate flowers have a lovely spotted appearance and bloom in late summer or fall when most other plants are fading. Butterflies and other pollinators love visiting these graceful blooms, so you'll enjoy watching them dance around your garden. It's a perennial, so once established, it comes back year after year with minimal fuss.

This orchid prefers shaded spots, much like the forest floor where it naturally grows. Plant it in loose, rich soil that drains well, and keep it consistently moist during the growing season. It's a forgiving plant that asks for very little once it settles in. With just a bit of patience and the right spot in your garden, you'll have a rewarding native plant that brings both beauty and wildlife to your home.

Native to 29 states