Broad-leaved Helleborine

Origin/ Introduction:

Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) is an invasive woodland orchid native to Europe. It was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant and has been present in New York State since the 1870s.

THREATS/IMPACTS 

A single plant can produce thousands of seeds that have high growth rates which allows Broad-leaved Helleborine to easily take over the areas they inhabit. Broad-leaved Helleborine is a monocot plant that forms from a system of rhizomes. Due to this, more than one stem can be produced from the same root system. Unlike most orchids that grow in trees, Broad-leaved Helleborine grows in soil and can be found on roadsides and disturbed areas.

IDENTIFICATION:

Plants can grow up to 3 feet tall. Leaves are oval to lance-shaped and grow alternately along light green stems that are covered with short hairs. Flowers appear in NY in July and August, they range from pale yellow to green or pink in color and form in clusters along the top of the stem.

Photo provided by Michigan State University

Control/Management:  

Controlling efforts can be difficult. It is important to choose a method that will be most efficient and the correct herbicide, if needed.

Manual Control: 

The most efficient time to pull these plants is when they first flower since the roots and rhizomes are at their weakest. You must remove the entire root system and all of its rhizomes.

Chemical Control:

Typical lawn herbicides like 2,4-D and dicamba do not work to manage this species since they target dicots, not monocots like helleborine. Using the herbicide active ingredient, sulfentrazone, to spot-treat the plant is found to be most effective. It is best to cut the plant and then apply the treatment. All herbicides should be applied according to label instructions.

Photo Credits:

Identification photos provided by Michigan State University MSU Extension

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Sources:

Angela Tenney and Erin Hill, M. S. U. (2023, June 19). Broadleaf Helleborine: A weedy orchid invading lawns and flowerbeds. Gardening in Michigan. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/homeowners_battling_a_weedy_orchid_invading_lawns_and_flowerbeds#:~:text=For%20a%20few%20helleborine%20plants,Weed%20%26%20Grass%20Killer%20Concentrate)

Wildflowers of the Adirondacks: Helleborine (Epipactis Helleborine). Adirondack Wildflowers: Helleborine | Epipactis helleborine. (n.d.). https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-wildflowers-helleborine-epipactis-helleborine.html

SLELO PRISM GOALS

PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.

EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.

COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.

CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.

RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.

INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.