Photographs: Co. Clare and Co. Limerick

Common Twayblade Neottia ovata (Listera ovata) Dédhuilleog Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: May-July. Rhizomatous perennial. Native. Flowering spike with many small, stalked, yellowish-green flowers, spur-less with tiny bracts. The petals and sepals form a loose hood, the lip is pendent and notched. There are only two dull-green, oval, ribbed leaves above ground level. Stem is downy above, hairless below. Height 20-60cm Widespread but decreasing on mildly acidic to calcareous soils in dunes, grassland, woods and fens and on limestone pavements and heathland.

Common Twayblade, Neottia ovata, Dédhuilleog