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Giantspiral Lady's Tresses

Spiranthes longilabris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Giantspiral Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes longilabris)
Photo: Jay Horn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz