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Ladies tresses (Spiranthes)
Also known as : Lady's-tresses
White, yellow, or pink hooded blossoms grow in spirals on the stems of ladies tresses. This genus consists of orchids with some species having fragrant flowers that have the scent of coconut. Native to the Americas, Eurasia, and Australia, this perennial can also be found in swamps, meadows, and wet roadsides.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Orchid
Key Facts About Ladies tresses
Feedback
Attributes of Ladies tresses
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Ladies tresses
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Orchid
Genus
Ladies tresses
Distribution of Ladies tresses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Ladies tresses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Ladies tresses
Feedback
Ladies tresses requires moderate care, thriving in conditions that mimic their natural grassland habitats. Basic care needs include bright but indirect light, moist, well-draining soil, consistent moisture with good air circulation, and temperature preferences between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Common challenges for ladies tresses include fungal diseases and rot, particularly when over-watered or in stagnant air. Seasonally, ladies tresses plants might need shade from intense summer sun, winter dormancy periods depending on the species, and reduced watering in colder months to prevent root issues.
Exploring the Ladies tresses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Chinese spiranthes
Chinese spiranthes (Spiranthes sinensis) is a medium-sized terrestrial orchid with pointed glossy leaves and velvety roots. It blooms from spring to fall with tall spirals of flowers. The flower spike is twisted into a spiral shape as the reddish-purple flowers bloom all around the spike. Thrives in full sun and moist well-drained soil. It is commonly found growing on roadsides grassy areas and open forests.
Spring lady's tresses
Although its common name indicates that the spring is the time when spring lady's tresses blooms, in cooler areas such as New England, its blooms actually most often appear in the fall. This tall orchid is listed as a rare, endangered, or threatened species in several U.S. states.
Autumn lady's tresses
Autumn lady's tresses is a tuberous herbaceous perennial. The late summer/early autumn spiraling blooms of this pretty yet delicate orchid resemble a braid of hair, hence the name ‘Lady’s Tresses’. Autumn lady's tresses is unusual for existing for many years without blooming.
Nodding lady's tresses
Other names for nodding lady's tresses include wild hyacinth or nodding spiranthes. It gets its name because each of its blossoms “nods,” or tips down slightly. This orchid is incredibly easy to grow—even for the beginner. It slowly spreads via rhizomes (underground root systems), until it forms breathtakingly beautiful colonies. Once it attains full maturity, you can propagate it by separating the rhizomes.
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses (Spiranthes lacera) is a North American orchid that produces loose spirals of flowers along its stalk. It grows naturally in a variety of different habitats and blooms in the summer. It differs from the "southern" variant in that the northern slender lady's tresses produces hairy leaves and a less uniform spiral.
Hooded lady's tresses
Hooded lady's tresses is an orchid native to North America, although small colonies have been found in other countries. This white-flowered orchid reproduces through tiny wind-born seeds or by its root tubers.
Great plains lady's tresses
Great plains lady's tresses is a lovely plant that belongs to the orchid family. Its dark green leaves wither as the flowers arrive. Blooms form in an tight spiral and are trumpet-shaped, in white and cream with yellow on the lower lip. Rare to find, great plains lady's tresses is an attractive addition to an orchid collection.
October lady's tresses
October lady's tresses is a perennial orchid found in wet woodlands and forests throughout eastern North America. The species is considered globally secure, but it is quite rare within its native range. It is pollinated by the bees of the genus *Bombus*, though the variety Spiranthes ovalis is self-pollinating.
All Species of Ladies tresses
Chinese spiranthes
Chinese spiranthes
Chinese spiranthes (Spiranthes sinensis) is a medium-sized terrestrial orchid with pointed glossy leaves and velvety roots. It blooms from spring to fall with tall spirals of flowers. The flower spike is twisted into a spiral shape as the reddish-purple flowers bloom all around the spike. Thrives in full sun and moist well-drained soil. It is commonly found growing on roadsides grassy areas and open forests.
Spring lady's tresses
Spring lady's tresses
Although its common name indicates that the spring is the time when spring lady's tresses blooms, in cooler areas such as New England, its blooms actually most often appear in the fall. This tall orchid is listed as a rare, endangered, or threatened species in several U.S. states.
Autumn lady's tresses
Autumn lady's tresses
Autumn lady's tresses is a tuberous herbaceous perennial. The late summer/early autumn spiraling blooms of this pretty yet delicate orchid resemble a braid of hair, hence the name ‘Lady’s Tresses’. Autumn lady's tresses is unusual for existing for many years without blooming.
Nodding lady's tresses
Nodding lady's tresses
Other names for nodding lady's tresses include wild hyacinth or nodding spiranthes. It gets its name because each of its blossoms “nods,” or tips down slightly. This orchid is incredibly easy to grow—even for the beginner. It slowly spreads via rhizomes (underground root systems), until it forms breathtakingly beautiful colonies. Once it attains full maturity, you can propagate it by separating the rhizomes.
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses (Spiranthes lacera) is a North American orchid that produces loose spirals of flowers along its stalk. It grows naturally in a variety of different habitats and blooms in the summer. It differs from the "southern" variant in that the northern slender lady's tresses produces hairy leaves and a less uniform spiral.
Hooded lady's tresses
Hooded lady's tresses
Hooded lady's tresses is an orchid native to North America, although small colonies have been found in other countries. This white-flowered orchid reproduces through tiny wind-born seeds or by its root tubers.
Great plains lady's tresses
Great plains lady's tresses
Great plains lady's tresses is a lovely plant that belongs to the orchid family. Its dark green leaves wither as the flowers arrive. Blooms form in an tight spiral and are trumpet-shaped, in white and cream with yellow on the lower lip. Rare to find, great plains lady's tresses is an attractive addition to an orchid collection.
October lady's tresses
October lady's tresses
October lady's tresses is a perennial orchid found in wet woodlands and forests throughout eastern North America. The species is considered globally secure, but it is quite rare within its native range. It is pollinated by the bees of the genus *Bombus*, though the variety Spiranthes ovalis is self-pollinating.
Greenvein lady's tresses
Greenvein lady's tresses
The greenvein lady's tresses is a perennial orchid, found in pine or hardwood forests, on roadsides, lawns, savannas, and streams and ponds. It is an early-blooming species, hence its scientific name, praecox, which means "premature" or "very early" in Latin.
Little lady's tresses
Little lady's tresses
Little lady's tresses is a wildflower that is sometimes used in ornamental gardens within its native area, typically dry meadows and prairies. The name Little lady's tresses refers to the attractive spiral of flowers that covers its stem. It is a member of the orchid family and is pollinated by metallic flies and bees.
Yellow nodding lady's tresses
Yellow nodding lady's tresses
Yellow nodding lady's tresses is a wild orchid that features a uniquely beautiful, twist-like growth habit. This flower is rare and is even considered vulnerable in parts of Canada. Yellow nodding lady's tresses is capable of self-fertilizing and does not produce nectar spurs, though it is still frequently visited by various pollinators.
Shining lady's tresses
Shining lady's tresses
Shining lady's tresses is a wild orchid that produces a waterfall of tiny white flowers, giving it the appearance of a lovely lady's shining head of hair. Shining lady's tresses is often visited by short-tongued bees and is very important to the native ecosystem. This flower is very rare and is vulnerable or even extinct in many areas of its range.
Summer lady's tresses
Summer lady's tresses
Spiranthes aestivalis, commonly called the summer lady's-tresses, is a species of orchid found in western Europe, Turkey, Russia, and North Africa. The specific epithet, aestivalis, is derived from Latin and means "pertaining to the summer".
Ute ladies'-tresses
Ute ladies'-tresses
It is a perennial terrestrial orchid with an erect stem growing 20 to 62 centimeters in height. The narrow lance-shaped leaves are arranged around the base of the stem and are up to 28 centimeters in length. The inflorescence is a spiral of many flowers on a stalk coated in glandular hairs. The flower has narrow white or ivory-colored petals.
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses is a slender, terrestrial orchid with a spiral arrangement of tiny, white and greenish flowers unique to its species. This delicate plant thrives in open grasslands and meadows, where ample sunlight promotes its late summer to fall blooming. It's recognized for its thin, grass-like leaves and the charming grace of its gently twisted floral spike that attracts pollinators, ensuring the continuation of its species.
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses is a perennial orchid characterized by a slender, spiraling stalk adorned with small, white or greenish flowers. Each blossom, typically arranged in three ranks, brandishes a fringed lip, a signature trait of this variety. Thriving in meadows and grasslands, northern slender lady's tresses is adapted to well-drained soils, often benefiting from environments undergoing periodic disturbances which reduce competition from more dominant vegetation.
Marsh lady's tresses
Marsh lady's tresses
It grows in moist environments and blooms in late summer and autumn. In the UK, the cultivar ‘Chadd’s Ford’ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Requiring a fertile soil in partial shade, it is hardy down to −10 ℃, but in frosty areas needs a dry mulch during the winter months.
Creamy lady's tresses
Creamy lady's tresses
Creamy lady's tresses grows naturally on river banks and in freshwater swamps in the northwestern US. It boasts lovely dense spirals of flowers that are a creamy yellow. Lance-shaped leaves are located near the base of the stem. Creamy lady's tresses is easy to grow and makes an attractive addition to a garden border.
Southern lady's tresses
Southern lady's tresses
Southern lady's tresses is a graceful terrestrial orchid known for its spiral arrangement of white, fragrant flowers on a single slender stem. Its leaves are typically grass-like and narrow, emerging from the base. The 'torta' in its name hints at the twisted appearance that aids its adaptation in varied environments, typically thriving in moist, open habitats. The coiled floral display not only catches the eye but also facilitates pollination by inviting specific insect vectors.
Texas lady's tresses
Texas lady's tresses
Texas lady's tresses (Spiranthes brevilabris) is an orchid that grows in moist prairies and disturbed areas, though it has become endangered or eradicated throughout much of its native range. It looks similar to Spiranthes floridana but texas lady's tresses can be differentiated by the dense hairs covering its flowers.
Case's lady's tresses
Case's lady's tresses
Case's lady's tresses sports a delicate spiral of small, white flowers climbing its slender stalk, a nod to its helical name. Thriving in open, moist meadows, this perennial's distinctive bloom unfurls from late summer to fall, inviting pollinators with its light fragrance. Its narrow, grass-like leaves blend into the green tapestry, emphasizing the visual allure of its inflorescence.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Ladies tresses
Spiranthes
Also known as: Lady's-tresses
White, yellow, or pink hooded blossoms grow in spirals on the stems of ladies tresses. This genus consists of orchids with some species having fragrant flowers that have the scent of coconut. Native to the Americas, Eurasia, and Australia, this perennial can also be found in swamps, meadows, and wet roadsides.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Orchid
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Key Facts About Ladies tresses
Feedback
Attributes of Ladies tresses
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Ladies tresses
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Orchid Genus
Ladies tresses Distribution of Ladies tresses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Ladies tresses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Ladies tresses
Feedback
Ladies tresses requires moderate care, thriving in conditions that mimic their natural grassland habitats. Basic care needs include bright but indirect light, moist, well-draining soil, consistent moisture with good air circulation, and temperature preferences between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Common challenges for ladies tresses include fungal diseases and rot, particularly when over-watered or in stagnant air. Seasonally, ladies tresses plants might need shade from intense summer sun, winter dormancy periods depending on the species, and reduced watering in colder months to prevent root issues.
Exploring the Ladies tresses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Chinese spiranthes
Chinese spiranthes (Spiranthes sinensis) is a medium-sized terrestrial orchid with pointed glossy leaves and velvety roots. It blooms from spring to fall with tall spirals of flowers. The flower spike is twisted into a spiral shape as the reddish-purple flowers bloom all around the spike. Thrives in full sun and moist well-drained soil. It is commonly found growing on roadsides grassy areas and open forests.
Spring lady's tresses
Although its common name indicates that the spring is the time when spring lady's tresses blooms, in cooler areas such as New England, its blooms actually most often appear in the fall. This tall orchid is listed as a rare, endangered, or threatened species in several U.S. states.
Autumn lady's tresses
Autumn lady's tresses is a tuberous herbaceous perennial. The late summer/early autumn spiraling blooms of this pretty yet delicate orchid resemble a braid of hair, hence the name ‘Lady’s Tresses’. Autumn lady's tresses is unusual for existing for many years without blooming.
Nodding lady's tresses
Other names for nodding lady's tresses include wild hyacinth or nodding spiranthes. It gets its name because each of its blossoms “nods,” or tips down slightly. This orchid is incredibly easy to grow—even for the beginner. It slowly spreads via rhizomes (underground root systems), until it forms breathtakingly beautiful colonies. Once it attains full maturity, you can propagate it by separating the rhizomes.
Show More Species
All Species of Ladies tresses
Chinese spiranthes
Spring lady's tresses
Autumn lady's tresses
Nodding lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses
Hooded lady's tresses
Great plains lady's tresses
October lady's tresses
Greenvein lady's tresses
Little lady's tresses
Yellow nodding lady's tresses
Shining lady's tresses
Summer lady's tresses
Ute ladies'-tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses
Northern slender lady's tresses
Marsh lady's tresses
Creamy lady's tresses
Southern lady's tresses
Texas lady's tresses
Case's lady's tresses
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
