SafePlants

About Lady's Tresses Orchids

Lady's tresses is a common name applied to several species of orchids in the genus Spiranthes and other related genera. These delicate plants are known for their spiraling arrangement of flowers on a central stalk.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Several species grow to varying heights, ranging from a few inches to over two feet tall.
• Some species have leaves that are scale-like and cling to the stem.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes spiralis
• Common Names: Autumn lady's-tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes delitescens
• Common Names: Reclusive lady's tresses, Canelo Hills lady's tresses, Madrean lady's tresses

• Scientific Name: Cyclopogon elatus
• Common Names: Tall ladies'-tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes cernua
• Common Names: Nodding Ladies' Tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes casei var. casei
• Common Names: Case's Ladies'-tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes ochroleuca
• Common Names: Yellow Ladies'-tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes parksii
• Common Names: Navasota Ladies'-tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes magnicamporum
• Common Names: Great Plains Ladies Tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes australis
• Common Names: Austral Ladies' Tresses

• Scientific Name: Goodyera repens
• Common Names: Creeping ladies tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes gracilis
• Common Names: Slender Ladies' Tresses

• Scientific Name: Spiranthes porrifolia
• Common Names: Western or Creamy Lady's Tresses

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Cyclopogon elatus (Sw.) Schltr. has the nomenclatural reference Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 6: 53. 1919 as elatum.

Distribution and Habitat

• Goodyera repens (Creeping ladies tresses) is mainly restricted to remnants of ancient Caledonian Forest.
• Spiranthes delitescens (Canelo Hills lady's tresses) occurs only in the Canelo Hills.
• Spiranthes cernua (Nodding Ladies' Tresses) can be found in damp meadows, such as those in Michigan.
• Tallgrass prairies provide habitat for several species, including Spiranthes magnicamporum (Great Plains Ladies Tresses).
• Some species of Autumn Ladies-tresses can be found in the Bristol area, typically on nutrient-poor limestone.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Autumn Lady's-tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) has an unbranched stem of about 10-15 cm tall.
• Autumn Lady's-tresses grow up to about 20 cm tall, and their blue-green leaves cling to the stem and look almost like scales.
• Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) is usually 4-12 inches tall and unbranched.
• Hooded ladies' tresses can grow to 50 cm tall and has 2-5 long and narrow basal leaves, and sheathing bracts instead of leaves along the stem.
• Flower spikes vary in height, ranging from 6 inches (15 cm) to two feet (0.6 meters) depending on the species.