Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Spiranthes

Species:

Spiranthes praecox

USDA Symbol:

SPPR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

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

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Benefits from periodic fire in pine savanna habitats to reduce competition and maintain open conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained sandy loam

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers open, sunny habitats in wet meadows or grassy areas

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Dust seeds require symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi for germination; conventional cold stratification is not applicable.