FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Spiraling flower stem is distinctive for this genus. Upper part of flowering stem in this species is quite hairy. Flowers are all white without any green lines.
Synonym(s): Ibidium vernale
Description: A grass-like plant with basal leaves and a tall (to 0.6 m) flowering stem with many small white flowers spiraled around the central stalk.
Leaves: Narrow, linear mostly basal leaves, some clasping flowering stem like a sheath.
Flowers/Fruit: Inflorescence narrow and long, to over 15 cm long, composed of individual white orchid-like flowers spiraling around the central stalk. Fruit is a capsule containing many tiny seeds.
Habit and Range: Can be found statewide in both wetlands and uplands, preferring damp grassy places including pine wetlands, meadows, bogs, roadsides.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
The similar Spiranthes praecox (grassleaf ladies'-tresses) has flowers with green lines on the upper side of the flower lower lip, and the upper part of the flowering stem is smooth or only slightly hairy.
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