Plant Profile: Spiranthes spiralis

Autumn Lady's Tresses is a diminutive orchid that thrives in open, grassy meadows across Europe, Africa, and Asia. This tuberous herbaceous perennial enters a dormant phase around June or July. As late summer approaches, a flowering stalk emerges, adorned with small white flowers that spiral along its length. Shortly thereafter, one or two rosettes of leaves appear, which endure through the winter and spring months.

The tubers of this plant can take several years to produce visible leaves above ground, and it may require an additional three years to bloom. It typically flowers every two to three years, and under unfavorable conditions, it might not develop any above-ground growth at all.

This orchid is predominantly found in nutrient-poor grasslands within arid, rocky regions and thrives in full sunlight. In certain parts of its native range, it is considered to be at risk.

Due to its rarity, this plant is not commonly available for purchase or suitable for garden cultivation.