Summer lady’s-tresses (Spiranthes aestivalis, De Orchid. Eur.: 36 (1817))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Poir.) Rich.

Bibliography: De Orchid. Eur.: 36 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spiranthes

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. & C. Europe to NW. Africa

Description

Summer lady’s-tresses, scientifically known as Spiranthes aestivalis, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. This delicate orchid is native to a broad geographical range that stretches across Western and Central Europe, extending to the northwestern parts of Africa.

Described initially in De Orchid. Eur. in 1817 by Rich., it has since intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts around the world. Summer lady’s-tresses thrive in wetland habitats, often found in damp meadows, marshes, and alongside streams with calcareous, or chalky, soils. These specific environmental needs make their preservation tied closely to the health of such ecosystems.

What sets Spiranthes aestivalis apart is its spirally arranged inflorescence, a trait that earned it the common name of “lady’s-tresses.” During its blooming period, primarily in the summer months, the plant sends up slender stalks adorned with small, white flowers, each displaying a subtle twist that resembles a lady’s tresses or braided hair.

Ecologically, Summer lady’s-tresses is significant for the biodiversity of its habitats. It often coexists with a range of other moisture-loving plant species and provides nectar for various pollinators. However, due to habitat loss and changes in land use, this beautiful orchid faces threats in many parts of its natural range, necessitating conservation efforts to ensure it remains a common sight in its native regions.

Drawing interest not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its biological and ecological roles, Spiranthes aestivalis stands as a reminder of the intricate and delicate beauty present in the natural world.

Common Names

Deu: sommer-drehwurz, sommer-schraubenstendel, sommer-wendelorchis, sommer-wendelähre
Fra: spiranthe dété
Eng: summer ladiestresses, summer lady’s-tresses
Nld: zomerschroeforchis
Cym: troellig yr haf, troellog yr haf
En: Summer lady’s-tresses, Summer ladiestresses, Summer Lady’s Tresses Spiranthes
Ar: لولوبة صيفية
Bg: Летен спирантес
Ca: Espirant estival
Zh: 夏綬草, 夏绶草
Cs: Švihlík letní
Nl: Zomerschroeforchis
Fr: Spiranthe dété, Spiranthe d’été
De: Sommer-Drehwurz, Sommer-Schraubenstendel, Sommer-Wendelorchis, Sommer-Wendelähre
Hu: Nyári füzértekercs
It: Viticcini estivi, Viticcino estivo
Zh-tw: 夏綬草
Zh-hant: 夏綬草
Cy: Troellig yr haf, Troellog yr Haf

Synonyms

• Tussaca aestivalis ((Poir.) Rich. ex Desv.)
• Ophrys aestiva (Balb.)
• Gyrostachys aestivalis ((Poir.) Dumort.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2019 by Nicolas Duivon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Marc Solà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2004 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 1982 by Tela Botanica − Paule LAMOUROUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by olivier rieme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 30, 1868 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2805343)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:658136-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spiranthes aestivalis (Poir.) Rich.)

Specifications

Growth