It was formerly placed in the genus Listera, but molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that Neottia nidus-avis, the bird's-nest orchid, evolved within the same group.

[4] It is never very common but may be frequently overlooked because of its small size and a tendency to grow underneath heather on sphagnum moss.

The single erect flower-stem is often tinged red and is clasped near the base by a pair or ovate-orbicular glossy green leaves.

The small flowers which look deceptively simple in structure for an orchid, are purple-green in colour with a somewhat swollen calyx.

[5] (Codes) [6] The flowers produce nectar and are pollinated principally by fungus gnats in the groups Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae.