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Northern Slender Lady's Tresses

Spiranthes lacera

Last reviewed: August 2026

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes lacera)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Northern Slender Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes lacera) 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 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

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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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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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