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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Spiranthes vernalis

Twisted Ladies'-tresses, Spring Ladies'-tresses, Ladies' Tresses

Scientific Name:

Spiranthes vernalis

Genus:

Spiranthes

Species Epithet:

vernalis

Common Name:

Twisted Ladies'-tresses, Spring Ladies'-tresses, Ladies' Tresses

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Size:

1-3 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

White, Yellow

Light:

Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Dry, Moist, Wet

Bloom Time:

March, April, May, June, July

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

Savannas, bogs, marshes, fairly dry fields. Rare in NC Mountains, uncommon in Piedmont, common in Coastal Plain.

Leaf Arrangement:

Basal

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Has some wildlife value

Landscape Value:

Suitable for home landscapes

State Rank:

S3: Vulnerable (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Notes:

Per North American Orchid Conservation Center "This orchid is pollinated by bees in search of nectar, including Apis mellifera, Bombus impatiens and Bombus pensylvanicus. The labellum occasionally has two orange or brown spots near the center. It can be distinguished from other Spiranthes species by the pointed tips of the hairs on its inflorescence, as opposed to rounded tips seen in other species such as S. laciniata.."

Blooming Plants

image

© David R. McAdoo

Closeup of Blooms

image

© David R. McAdoo

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record

North American Orchid Conservation Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Flora of North America
 



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