Spiranthes lacera

Common Names

Slender Ladies'-Tresses, Slender Ladies' Tresses, Northern Slender Ladies' Tresses, Southern Slender Ladies' Tresses

Summary

Spiranthes lacera, slender ladies’-tresses, is a terrestrial orchid native to eastern North America. It stands 10–40 cm tall with 2–4 basal leaves 2–5 cm long; the flowering stalk bears a terminal, helically spiralled spike of 20–40 white flowers, each with a white lip and a green spot on the labellum. The plant’s distinctive spiral of small white blossoms and the green labellum spot, along with its occurrence in open, often disturbed habitats on acidic, dry, sandy or cherty soils, aid identification across its range from dry upland forests and prairies to roadsides and old fields. In cultivation terms, it tolerates a range of dry to moist conditions and occurs in sandy, acidic soils, including lawns, roadsides, meadows, fields, pinelands, and other disturbed open habitats. Flowers typically from July to September and is pollinated by bumblebees. The species has historical use by the Ojibwa, who used the roots in a charm to bring luck to hunters.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-16 inches

Soil Type

Acidic, dry, sandy mineral soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils, from dry to moderately moist

Soil pH

Acidic soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer and Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not specified

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees (bumblebees, honeybees, and smaller native bees)