Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Spiranthes

Species:

Spiranthes vernalis

USDA Symbol:

SPVE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

75 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Found in fire-maintained prairies and meadows; tolerates periodic burning which reduces competition from woody plants.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage preferred

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers open, sunny habitats

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Orchid seeds require mycorrhizal fungi for germination; not typically propagated from seed in cultivation.