Canadian Native Orchids - Spiranthes lacera

Spiranthes lacera

(Rafinesque) Rafinesque var. lacera Northern Slender Ladies' Tresses

Location Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta. Mixed forest region and northern part of the deciduous forest region.

Specific Habitat
Frequently found in dry to moist, shallow to deep sand over almost any type of rock, acidic or basic. Colonies are found in open, sandy or rocky, deciduous or coniferous woods.

Flowering Season July and August.

Description
Height to 46 cm.
Leaves 3 Ð 5 basal rosette, withering before flowering.
Flowers white with center of lip yellowish green, light green or grayish green inside and outside. Arranged in a single rank with almost no spiral.
Usually a sweet fragrance present.

Comments
The most slender and delicate of the Spiranthes. The torn (lacera) lip must be viewed under a magnifying glass. Plants generally occur close to trees and shrubs. In most situations there is little or no competing vegetation. Cypripedium acaule is a companion plant.

References
The Candian Field-Naturalist
The Orchids of Bruce & Grey

Habitat Plant Flower

Location	Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta. Mixed forest region and northern part of the deciduous forest region.
Specific Habitat	Frequently found in dry to moist, shallow to deep sand over almost any type of rock, acidic or basic. Colonies are found in open, sandy or rocky, deciduous or coniferous woods.
Flowering Season	July and August.
Description	Height to 46 cm. Leaves 3 Ð 5 basal rosette, withering before flowering. Flowers white with center of lip yellowish green, light green or grayish green inside and outside. Arranged in a single rank with almost no spiral. Usually a sweet fragrance present.
Comments	The most slender and delicate of the Spiranthes. The torn (lacera) lip must be viewed under a magnifying glass. Plants generally occur close to trees and shrubs. In most situations there is little or no competing vegetation. Cypripedium acaule is a companion plant.
References	The Candian Field-Naturalist The Orchids of Bruce & Grey