Irish Lady's-tresses
Spiranthes romanzoffiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–20" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Irish lady's-tresses is a slender native orchid that produces delicate white flower spikes in late summer. This understated perennial grows in narrow clumps and thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Irish Lady's-tresses takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely subtle appearance that most HOAs would not recognize as intentional landscaping
- Narrow growth form can appear sparse or incomplete
- May go completely dormant and disappear for periods
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees and night-flying moths during the summer blooming period. As a native orchid, it provides specialized nectar resources for pollinators.
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.
Does Irish Lady's-tresses fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.