Spiranthes lucida, the shining ladies'-tresses, is a species of orchid native to northeastern North America.
Spiranthes lucida is a perennial, herbaceous plant up to 37 cm tall. The 3-4 leaves are basal, and persist after flowering time, unlike many other Spiranthes species. This is one of the earliest flowering species of ladies'-tresses, with flowers produced between May and August. The flowers are arranged spirally on a single spike. The flowers are white, with a prominent brilliant yellow lip.[2]
Spiranthes lucida occurs from Nova Scotia to northeastern Wisconsin, south to Virginia, Arkansas, and Missouri.[2] It occurs in saturated, calcareous, sandy or gravelly soils found in habitats such as riverbanks, fens, seeps, and gravel pits.[2][3]
Bees in the family Halictidae have been observed visiting the flowers.[3] The flower morphology is better adapted for short-tongued bees like these than for longer-tongued bees such as bumblebees, unlike most other Spiranthes species.[4]
plant form
botanical illustration
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botanical illustration
Spiranthes lucida, the shining ladies'-tresses, is a species of orchid native to northeastern North America.
