Photo by Jeff Nesta
Spiranthes lucida, commonly known as shining lady’s tresses, is a perennial orchid native to northeastern North America, including Wisconsin. It typically grows up to 15 inches tall and produces white flowers in a spiral arrangement along a single spike, each featuring a yellow lip. The basal leaves are lance-oblong and remain during flowering.
The species blooms from late May to early July and fruits by mid-July. It inhabits saturated, calcareous soils in places such as streambanks, fens, river terraces, and old quarries. Its range extends from Nova Scotia to northeastern Wisconsin, and south to Virginia, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Pollination is primarily carried out by short-tongued bees, particularly from the Halictidae family. In some regions, including Wisconsin, it is listed as a species of special concern due to habitat sensitivity. (LS)