Spiranthes spiralis
autumn Ladies' tresses
Overview
Spiranthes spiralis is a small terrestrial orchid growing 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) tall from a cluster of fleshy, tuberous roots. A low rosette of bluish-green oval leaves forms beside the flowering stem in autumn and winter, withers by the next summer, and is replaced by a fresh rosette as the flower spike emerges. From August to October the plant produces a single slender spike of small white flowers arranged in a tight spiral, each flower about 0.2 inch (5–6 mm) long, tubular, and faintly fragrant. It grows in short, grazed or mown turf, including chalk downland, dune grassland, lawns, and old meadows, on dry, low-nutrient calcareous soils across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. The orchid depends on soil fungi for nutrition and germination, which makes it intolerant of cultivation, transplanting, and fertilizing. It also disappears when grassland is left tall and rank. Plants may skip flowering for several years, persisting underground between appearances.
Native Range
Spiranthes spiralis is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, from Britain south to the Mediterranean and east to the Caucasus. It grows in short, nutrient-poor calcareous grassland, dune turf, and old lawns.Suggested Uses
Found in unfertilized lawns, chalk grassland, and dune turf managed as short sward rather than in cultivated borders. It is valued in grassland conservation and traditional lawn habitats.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late August to October, well after most grassland flowers. The small white flowers open from the base of the spiral upward and carry a faint scent that draws bees. Seed is dust-like and dispersed by wind.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bluish-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight