Lucas Land
Slender Ladies' Tresses
Spiranthes lacera (Raf.) Raf. var. gracilis
This species is one of our few native orchids. Flowers are very tiny, less than 1/4 inch, white with a green throat, and are arranged in a large spiral around the flowering stalk. The number of spirals varies greatly, with some plants appearing one-sided and some winding around the stalk 3 or more times. It is found in sunny fields from late August to early October.