Spiranthes cernua

Spiranthes cernua, commonly called Nodding Ladies' Tresses, is widely distributed along the Eastern Coastal Plain and southern Appalachian Mountains, to the Mississippi River. It produces 1-5 basal leaves held upright that may begin to wither shortly before the plant flowers but usually persist through blooming. It bears a spike of white to ivory-colored nodding flowers that form a single row in a coiled spiral. This species is distinguished by its upward sweeping lateral sepals and a white to pale yellow labellum and flowers with a spiral arrangement. It grows in moist fields, meadows, bogs, marshes, and fens, as well as along roadsides and riverbanks.  It can populate appropriate areas by seed. The flowers are delicately fragrant.

Although this orchid may be capable of self pollination, bumblebees such as Bombus fervidus, Bombusimpatiens, Bombus terricola and an unidentified Dialictus bee are known insect pollinators. As in most Spiranthes, bumblebees move upward on the inflorescence in search of nectar. Older flowers at the base of the stalk have more nectar, which makes them an efficient first stop for the foraging bumble bees.

This is a very easy orchid to grow in moist situations, and quite lovely.