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Spring Ladies' Tresses

Spiranthes vernalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Spring Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Spring Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) 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

6"–16" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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 445 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

Central Great PlainsGreat PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Spring ladies' tresses is a delicate native orchid that produces small white flowers arranged in a distinctive spiral pattern along slender stems. This petite wildflower blooms through summer months and naturally occurs in prairies and open woodlands. The plant forms small clumps with narrow leaves that die back in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spring Ladies' 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 and can appear sparse or weedy
  • Goes completely dormant in winter
  • May be mistaken for a weed by neighbors unfamiliar with native orchids

Wildlife value

The fragrant white flowers attract native bees and flies during the summer blooming period. As a native orchid, it supports specialized pollinators that have co-evolved with prairie ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Spring Ladies' Tresses need?
Spring Ladies' Tresses grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Spring Ladies' Tresses bloom?
Spring Ladies' Tresses blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Spring Ladies' Tresses native?
Spring Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Spring Ladies' Tresses attract?
Spring Ladies' Tresses draws bees and flies.
Is Spring Ladies' Tresses HOA-friendly?
Spring Ladies' 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 Spring Ladies' Tresses? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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