About Spiranthes lacera (Raf.) Raf.
Spiranthes lacera, commonly known as the slender ladies'-tresses, is an orchid species native to Eastern North America. It has a widespread distribution and grows in a variety of open habitats, including both natural and disturbed areas. In summer, it produces a spiral arrangement of white flowers. Two varieties of Spiranthes lacera are currently recognized. The first is S. lacera var. gracilis, called Southern slender ladies' tresses. Its flowers are more densely arranged along the spiral, and it blooms later, from late July through August. This variety is hairless, and its leaves are usually absent when the plant is flowering. The second is S. lacera var. lacera, called Northern slender ladies' tresses. Its flowers are more loosely arranged along the spiral, and it blooms earlier, in mid-July. This variety is hairy, and its leaves are usually present when the plant is flowering.
