Spiranthes spiralis

Spiranthes spiralis, commonly known as autumn lady's-tresses, is an orchid that grows in Europe and adjacent North Africa and Asia. It is a small grey-green plant. It forms a rosette of four to five pointed, sessile, ovate leaves about 3 cm (1.2 in) in length. In late summer an unbranched stem of about 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) tall is produced with approximately four sheath-shaped leaves. The white flowers are about 5 mm (0.20 in) long and have a green spot on the lower lip. They are arranged in a helix around the upper half of the stalk. The species is listed in Appendix II of CITES as a species that is not currently threatened with extinction but that may become so. Autumn lady's-tresses are legally protected in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Spiranthes

Family

Orchidaceae

Hardiness Zone

5-9

Mature Height

13 cm to 30 cm

Mature Spread

5 cm to 10 cm

Leaf Color

Green, Blue

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Pink

Flower Size

0.76 cm

Bloom Time

All year round

Planting Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Native Area

Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, China, Russia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Mongolia, Japan, Koppen, Bhutan, South Korea, Thailand

Tags (7)

Common Names (4)