Spiranthes magnicamporum Sheviak

Great Plains Ladies' Tresses; Prairie Ladies' Tresses

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Great Plains Ladies’ Tresses is a native perennial herb in the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). It can be found in scattered locations across Alabama, primarily in the Blackbelt region. Great Plains Ladies’ Tresses occurs in prairies, in cedar glades, and on limestone glades. It is a perennial with tuberous roots. The stems are erect, un-branched, and green in color. The stems range in height from 3-10 inches. The 3-4 basal leaves are linear-lanceolate in outline, glabrous, and absent at flowering. Stem leaves are reduced to 3-4 small appressed over-lapping bracts that clasp the stem. The fragrant white flowers are produced in terminal spikes. The flowers are in tight spirals, with 3-4 flowers per twist. The rachis is pubescent with some stalked glands. The lateral sepals are wide-spreading with long tips that arch above the flowers. The lip petal curves downward strongly, has a frilly margin, and usually has a central yellow spot. The fruit is a capsule. Great Plains Ladies' Tresses is one of the last orchids to flower in Alabama. Blooming period extends from October through late November. It is listed as an S3 species in Alabama (typically 21 to 100 occurrences) and globally as a G4 species (imperiled globally because of rarity or very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range because of other factors).—A. Diamond.

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Native S3 (State Rank) G4 (Global Rank)

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