Pronounced (approximate): spy-RAN-theez oh-VAL-iss
Tiny white flowers form a compact spiral on a slender spike. Two to five leaves remain at the base and lower stem during flowering.
October Ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes ovalis): close view of the white flower spike. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Orchidaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial orchid
Blooms Late summer–fall
Height About 2–16 inches
Habitat Moist woodlands, thickets, and shaded wetland margins
Common names
October Ladies’-tresses · Lesser Ladies’-tresses · Oval Ladies’-tresses
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist woodlands, thickets, and shaded wetland margins. Flowering season: late summer–fall.
Often found in shadier sites than many other ladies’-tresses. Compare the small crowded flowers and persistent basal leaves, rather than relying only on the spiral arrangement.
Tiny white flowers form a compact spiral on a slender spike.
Flowers may remain only partly open.
Look for herbaceous perennial orchid growth in moist woodlands, thickets, and shaded wetland margins. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
9 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Central and eastern United States into Ontario.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MS, MO, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing October Ladies’-tresses in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.