NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details
Spiranthes longilabris
Giant Spiral Orchid, Long-lipped Ladies'-tresses, Ladies' Tresses
Scientific Name: |
Spiranthes longilabris |
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Genus: |
Spiranthes |
Species Epithet: |
longilabris |
Common Name: |
Giant Spiral Orchid, Long-lipped Ladies'-tresses, Ladies' Tresses |
Plant Type |
Herb/Wildflower |
Life Cycle |
Perennial |
Plant Family |
Orchidaceae (Orchid Family) |
Native/Alien: |
NC Native |
Size: |
1-3 ft. |
Bloom Color(s): |
White |
Light: |
Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day |
Soil Moisture: |
Moist, Wet |
Bloom Time: |
October, November, December |
Growing Area: |
Coastal Plain |
Habitat Description: |
Wet pine savannas. Rare in NC Coastal Plain. A southeastern Coastal Plan endemic |
Leaf Arrangement: |
Basal |
Leaf Retention: |
Deciduous |
Leaf Type: |
Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like |
Leaf Form: |
Simple |
Life Cycle: |
Perennial |
Wildlife Value: |
No known wildlife value |
Landscape Value: |
Suitable for home landscapes |
State Rank: |
S1: Critically imperiled (*Key) |
Global Rank: |
G3 - Vulnerable (*Key) |
State Status: |
E: Endangered (*Key) |
Federal Status: |
T - Threatened (*Key) |
Notes: |
North American Orchid Center states "Spiranthes longilabris is considered vulnerable and may be critically imperiled in some parts of its range where drainage of sites would eliminate this orchid. Competition from grasses, sedges and woody vegetation which develop in the absence of fire may also threaten this species." |
Blooms in Hand
© David R. McAdoo |
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Closeup of Blooms "Looks like the flying nun's hat" © David R. McAdoo |
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Close up David McAdoo |
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Blooms on one side Tom Harville |
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Blooms with a half twist Tom Harville |
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A one-sided inflorescence seen from the back © John Henderson, Nov 08,2012, Croatan National Forest |
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Leafless stem © John Henderson, Nov 08,2012, Croatan National Forest |
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Giant Spiral Orchid in its habitat This Southeastern Coastal Plain endemic grows in wet pine savannas from southeast NC, south to southern Florida and west to eastern Texas. © John Henderson, Nov 08,2012, Croatan National Forest |
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Links: |
USDA PLANTS Database Record |
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