Nodding Lady's Tresses 🛑 Endangered
Spiranthes cernua
Also known as: Navasota Lady's Tresses
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Eric Hunt
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Genus:
- Spiranthes
- Species:
- Spiranthes cernua
- USDA Symbol:
- SPCE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Epiphyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, rich, organic loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wet meadows and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification; surface sow on fine medium and keep moist. Germination is slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: See http://prairieecologist.com/2011/08/15/ladys-tresses-orchids-in-prairie-seedings/