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October Lady's Tresses

Spiranthes ovalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

October Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes ovalis)
Photo: Mason Brock (Masebrock) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

October Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes ovalis) 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"–16" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 21 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsSoutheastern PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess Plains

October lady's tresses is a delicate native orchid that produces spiraling white flower spikes in late summer and fall. This small perennial grows in graceful clumps with narrow leaves and distinctive twisted flower arrangements that add subtle elegance to shaded gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

October 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
  • Can look dormant or absent much of the growing season
  • Orchid appearance may be considered too wild or weedy for front yards

Wildlife value

The late-season blooms provide important nectar for bees and moths when few other flowers are available. This native orchid supports specialized pollinators and extends the garden's flowering season into autumn.

Common questions

How much sun does October Lady's Tresses need?
October Lady's Tresses grows best in part shade conditions.
When does October Lady's Tresses bloom?
October Lady's Tresses blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is October Lady's Tresses native?
October Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes ovalis) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does October Lady's Tresses attract?
October Lady's Tresses draws bees and moths.
Is October Lady's Tresses HOA-friendly?
October 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow October 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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