Giantspiral Lady's Tresses
Spiranthes longilabris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Giantspiral Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes longilabris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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This native orchid produces delicate white flower spikes that spiral up slender stems from late summer through fall. The small, grass-like plant forms tight clumps and thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Giantspiral Lady's Tresses takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very small size makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
- Can appear weedy or grass-like when not blooming
- May be mistaken for unwanted vegetation by maintenance crews
Wildlife value
The fragrant white flowers attract native bees and other small pollinators during the late growing season when many other nectar sources have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Giantspiral Lady's Tresses need?
- Giantspiral Lady's Tresses grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Giantspiral Lady's Tresses bloom?
- Giantspiral Lady's Tresses blooms in August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Giantspiral Lady's Tresses native?
- Giantspiral Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes longilabris) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Giantspiral Lady's Tresses attract?
- Giantspiral Lady's Tresses draws bees.
- Is Giantspiral Lady's Tresses HOA-friendly?
- Giantspiral Lady's Tresses takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Giantspiral Lady's Tresses? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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