Texas
Wildbuds
Spiranthes cernua
(Nodding Lady’s Tresses)
Spiranthes cernua, Davenport Ranch West, Austin 0315
Spiranthes cernua, Davenport Ranch West, Austin 0317
Spiranthes cernua, Davenport Ranch West, Austin 0301
Spiranthes cernua, Davenport Ranch West, Austin 0283
| Scientific Name | Spiranthes cernua | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SPCE |
| Common Name | Nodding Lady's Tresses | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 43444 |
| Family | Orchidaceae (Orchid) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Wet to dry open sites in marshes, meadows, swales, prairies, open woodlands, etc. Plant: Upright perennial 6 to 25 inches tall, single stem; lower stem is smooth, slightly pubescent above. Leaves: Ovate to elliptic basal leaves, up to 10 inches long and 3/4-inch wide; a few lanceolate bract-like leaves tight along the stem. Inflorescence: Single, erect spike 2 to 4 inches long with small, somewhat nodding flowers, spirally-arranged, 3 to 4 flowers per turn around the axis; each flower up 3/8-inch long and 1/4-inch wide with 3 white sepals and 3 white to greenish-white petals. Bloom Period: September to December. References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist, "Wildflowers of Texas" by Michael Eason and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Lupinus ssp. by Rick Capozza, Austin TX
© Tom Lebsack 2023