Northern slender lady’s tresses (Spiranthes lacera, Herb. Raf.: 44 (1833))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Raf.) Raf.

Bibliography: Herb. Raf.: 44 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spiranthes

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Northern slender lady’s tresses, scientifically known as Spiranthes lacera, is a captivating orchid species that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. Delicately unique, this flora thrives predominantly in the central and eastern regions of both Canada and the United States, creating a fascinating botanical footprint across these geographical areas.

First cataloged and described in 1833 under the bibliography entry Herb. Raf. by the botanist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, Spiranthes lacera has been a subject of admiration and study due to its slender and intricate appearance. The epithet “lacera” in its scientific name beautifully encapsulates the gracefully torn or frayed look of its flowers, which unfurl in a characteristic spiral, a stunning feature that sets it apart from many other orchid species.

The plant typically blooms during the summer months, presenting a white to greenish floral arrangement that spirals around the stem, mimicking the refined beauty associated with a lady’s tresses, thus giving the orchid its common name. These flourishes make it not just an ecological treasure but also a visual delight in the landscapes it inhabits.

As members of the vast and diverse Orchidaceae family, Northern slender lady’s tresses demonstrate classic orchid features with their three-lobed lips and distinct column structures that facilitate unique pollination mechanisms. These elements underscore the plant’s significance in its habitat, where it plays an integral role in sustaining the local ecosystem.

Spiranthes lacera is not just an ambassador of natural beauty but also a reminder of the rich botanical diversity found within North America’s central and eastern terrains. Its continued observation and conservation are vital in preserving the ecological harmony and botanical history intrinsic to this wondrous orchid species.

Common Names

Eng: northern slender lady’s tresses, northern slender ladies’-tresses, slender ladies’ tresses
Fra: spiranthe découpée, spiranthe lacérée
En: Northern slender lady’s tresses, Northern Slender Ladies’-Tresses, Slender ladies’-tresses, Slender Ladies’ Tresses
Fr: Spiranthe découpée, Spiranthe lacérée

Synonyms

• Neottia lacera (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 5, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Smith Sharon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by rené giudice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Smith Sharon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Andréanne Joubert (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Crystal Kennedy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Smith Sharon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 3, 2014 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 5, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 3, 2014 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 5, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2805526)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30016290-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spiranthes lacera (Raf.) Raf.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth