Spiranthes lacera explained

Spiranthes lacera, commonly called the slender ladies'-tresses, is a species of orchid that is native to Eastern North America. It has a widespread range and is found in a variety of open habitats, both natural and disturbed. It produces a spiral of white flowers in the summer.

There are two varieties recognized:^{[1] [2]}

• S. lacera var. gracilis - Southern slender ladies' tresses, flowers more densely arranged in spiral, blooming later (late-July through August). Plant hairless and leaves usually absent at flowering.
• S. lacera var. lacera - Northern slender ladies' tresses, flowers more loosely arranged in spiral, blooming earlier (mid-July). Plant hairy and leaves usually present at flowering.

Notes and References

1. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101954 Spiranthes lacera in Flora of North America
2. Book: Bentley. Stanley. Native Orchids of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 2000. University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. 0-8078-4872-7. 201–203.