How much sun does Northern Slender Lady's Tresses need?

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Northern Slender Lady's Tresses bloom?

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Northern Slender Lady's Tresses native?

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes lacera) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Northern Slender Lady's Tresses attract?

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses draws bees and moths.

Is Northern Slender Lady's Tresses HOA-friendly?

Northern Slender 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.

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Spiranthes lacera

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Northern slender lady's tresses is a delicate native orchid that produces small white flowers arranged in a distinctive spiral pattern on slender stems. This low-growing perennial blooms from July through September and goes dormant in winter. It prefers partial sun locations with average moisture levels.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Slender 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 appear insignificant in formal landscapes
Goes completely dormant leaving bare spots
Orchid appearance may seem too wild or weedy for front yards

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and moths during the summer and early fall blooming period. As a native orchid, it provides specialized habitat for pollinating insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Slender Lady's Tresses need?: Northern Slender Lady's Tresses grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Northern Slender Lady's Tresses bloom?: Northern Slender Lady's Tresses blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Northern Slender Lady's Tresses native?: Northern Slender Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes lacera) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Northern Slender Lady's Tresses attract?: Northern Slender Lady's Tresses draws bees and moths.
Is Northern Slender Lady's Tresses HOA-friendly?: Northern Slender 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 Northern Slender 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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