Family: Orchidaceae
nodding lady's-tresses
Merel R. Black
Emmet J. Judziewicz
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
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"-36" tall forb; single stem with 3-8 scale-like leaves between the main leaves and the inflorescence
Leaves: basal, narrowly lance-like, 4"-24" long with pointed tips, clasping, persistent when blooming, hairy leaf axils
Flowers: white (rarely yellowish), 6-parted, slightly nodding only at the base, sepals not connected, side sepals either straight or only slightly spreading; 1/3" long lip usually with wavy edges; inflorescence a 3/4"-7" dense, spike-like, tight spiral (raceme) of several stalks with 3 to 4 stalked flowers per cycle; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: sun; moist; bogs, prairies, fields, ditches; in slightly acidic, sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-36" tall forb; single stem with 3-8 scale-like leaves between the main leaves and the inflorescence
Leaves: basal, narrowly lance-like, 4"-24" long with pointed tips, clasping, persistent when blooming, hairy leaf axils
Flowers: white (rarely yellowish), 6-parted, slightly nodding only at the base, sepals not connected, side sepals either straight or only slightly spreading; 1/3" long lip usually with wavy edges; inflorescence a 3/4"-7" dense, spike-like, tight spiral (raceme) of several stalks with 3 to 4 stalked flowers per cycle; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: sun; moist; bogs, prairies, fields, ditches; in slightly acidic, sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FACW- Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Paul Drobot
Jeff Hapeman
Aaron Carlson
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Aaron Carlson
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Theodore S. Cochrane
Robert W. Freckmann
Merel R. Black
Caroline A. Creevey
Botanical Illustration
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Aaron_Carlson
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