This Listera species is much more rare and exclusive than its big sister, L. ovata.

It grows in shady forests with wet soil, often between Sphagnum patches. This tiny plant with the heart-shaped leaves can easily be overlooked.

It is more difficult in culture than L. ovata. A shady bed with acidic forest soil and Sphagnum seems to be the right place for the rhizoms.

Listera cordata grows everywhere on the northern hemisphere where the climate is cold or moderate, including Europe, Asia and north America.