Spiranthes cernua v. odorata - Nodding Ladies'-tresses

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 5-9 (maybe colder), 12-24" x 18", part shade to part sun, late summer bloom, ivory-white, fragrant flowers on tall spires, needs moisture, prefers acidic soils

Common names: Nodding Ladies'-tresses

Family: Orchidaceae

Origin/Distribution: Ontario and Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and back up to South Dakota, native to Maine (maybe, see below)

Habitat: moist low places in fields, meadows, thickets, grassy/swampy places, wet woodland edge, bog edge, fen

More: A native orchid! A slow-spreader that will form a colony if happy. Easy-going in cultivation if needs are met. Excellent container candidate where moisture and soil type can be tailored to its requirements. A lovely addition to a partly shaded/partly sunny boggy setting. Plant with Blue Flag, Bogbean, and moisture-loving ferns and sedges. Many North American and European Spiranthes species have been used medicinally, including S. cernua.

Please note: Spiranthes cernua var. odorata and Spiranthes odorata are closely related but different species. Both are native to North America, but both are not native to Maine. I am in the process of clarifying which one I have available on the nursery and until I feel confident, I am removing this from the Maine native plants list.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: both images from Wikimedia Commons