Ontario's Grey and Bruce Counties are the centre of its range, growing here in dryish conifer stands or mixed forests where conifers predominate. In the Ottawa area, mature, mesic forests and various swamps are the two typical habitats, especially favouring forested slopes adjacent to swamps. Confined largely to the Canadian Shield, especially in areas of calcareous bedrock and sand. Plants prefer heavy shade, adequate moisture, and little herbaceous competition. May grow on rotting logs or on the roots of trees among swamp mosses. .

Height 10 - 20 cm.
Leaves in a basal rosette, oblong, pale blue-green with white reticulate.
Spike a loose spiral or cylinder.
Flowers white to greenish white. Lateral sepals hairy on outside. Fragrance slightly spicy.

Sometimes hard to distinguish from others of the genus. Leaves are paler, but usually very checkered, lip is less deeply pouched than Goodyera repans (when viewed through a magnifying glass).

Orchids of Ontario
The Canadian Field-Naturalist Vol III - 1
The Orchids of Bruce & Grey