It is found from Massachusetts to North Carolina, with isolated populations in Ohio and Nova Scotia.

[4] There are historical reports of the plant formerly growing in Vermont and New Jersey, but it seems to have been extirpated in those two states[2] It grows in dry, open woods and pine barrens at elevations of less than 600 m (2000 feet).

[5][6] Malaxis bayardii is a terrestrial herb up to 26 cm (10.4 inches) tall.

It generally has only one leaf, occasionally two, about halfway up the stem.

[7][8][9][10] It is listed as a special concern species and believed extirpated in Connecticut,[11] as rare Massachusetts, and as endangered in New Jersey and in New York (state).