Spiranthes sylvatica P.M.Br.
Woodland Ladies' Tresses
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: None
Spiranthes sylvatica, commonly known as the Woodland Ladies' Tresses, is distributed in the southeastern United States and the Gulf Coast region. This plant produces 3-7 leaves located on the lower third of the stem and 10-30 flowers that grow in a dense spike often appearing in multiple ranks. The tall flower spike, up to 80 cm, has pale green flowers with dark green veins arranged in a tight spiral. The leaves appear in late fall (in Florida) and are green through the winter.
The flowering period is late March-early May. It can be found growing in shaded habitats with dry soils such as roadsides, open woodlands, and live oak hammocks. Once considered a variation of the closely-related Spiranthes praecox, this orchid has recently been described as a new species.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Grassland, meadows, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
-
- alternate
- stem
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- three
- four
- five
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
-
- green to brown
- white
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a spike
- Labellum length:
- 5–10 mm
- Plant height:
- 20–80 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | N/A |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |