Etymology: Spiranthes: from the Greek speira, "spiral," and anthos, "flower," referring to the coiled or spiral character of the inflorescence, and hence the common nameladies tresses"
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb; stems with 3-5 scale-like leaves between the main leaves and the inflorescence
Leaves: basal, narrow
Flowers: white to cream, 6-parted; lips 1/4" long, narrow above the middle, fiddle-shaped; sepals and petals together flaring outward at the top forming a hood; inflorescence a 1"-4" dense, spike-like spiral (raceme) of 3-4 stalks of more than 5 stalked flowers per cycle; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: wet; swamps, bogs, shores
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb; stems with 3-5 scale-like leaves between the main leaves and the inflorescence
Leaves: basal, narrow
Flowers: white to cream, 6-parted; lips 1/4" long, narrow above the middle, fiddle-shaped; sepals and petals together flaring outward at the top forming a hood; inflorescence a 1"-4" dense, spike-like spiral (raceme) of 3-4 stalks of more than 5 stalked flowers per cycle; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: wet; swamps, bogs, shores
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
R.K. Kupfer
Jeff Hapeman
Botanical Illustration
