Family: Orchidaceae
October lady's-tresses, oval lady's-tresses
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, 6"-12" forb; stems with 3-4 scale-like leaves
Leaves: basal leaves long and narrow, persistent when blooming
Flowers: white to cream, 6-parted, less than 1/4" long with white to creamy lip; inflorescence 3/4"-2 1/3" tall, dense, spike-like spiral (raceme) of 3-4 stalks; blooms mid Sept.- mid Oct., later than most other Spiranthes
Habitat: dry; open woods, pastures
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Plants: erect, perennial, 6"-12" forb; stems with 3-4 scale-like leaves
Leaves: basal leaves long and narrow, persistent when blooming
Flowers: white to cream, 6-parted, less than 1/4" long with white to creamy lip; inflorescence 3/4"-2 1/3" tall, dense, spike-like spiral (raceme) of 3-4 stalks; blooms mid Sept.- mid Oct., later than most other Spiranthes
Habitat: dry; open woods, pastures
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FAC WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos