Spiranthes perexilis
Slender starry ladies' tresses
(c) My-Lan Le, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Spiranthes perexilis (Slender starry ladies' tresses) is a native California perennial in the Orchidaceae family, recognized by lax spiral inflorescence when compared to congeners.
Slender starry ladies' tresses is a California native perennial found in high elevation wetlands of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in bogs, wet meadows, and seeps at elevations of 1,400 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from July to September, this delicate orchid produces white to pale yellow bell-shaped flowers arranged in an open, lax spiral. Growing 20 to 40 centimeters tall with a slender, elegant form, the plant emerges from linear-lanceolate basal leaves that taper gracefully. Its distinctive white flowers have a fiddle-shaped lip, creating an intricate and subtle botanical display characteristic of rare high-altitude wetland orchids.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinguished by lax spiral inflorescence when compared to congeners
Habitat and range
Habitat: Bogs, wet meadows, fens, seeps, wet roadsides
Elevation: 1400-2800 m
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Spiranthes perexilis blooms Jul-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Platanthera: Spiranthes flowers spiral up the stem and lack spurs, while Platanthera flowers grow in a straight spike and have spurs.; vs Listera: Spiranthes has basal leaves and flowers in a spiral, while Listera has two opposite leaves at mid-stem.; vs Epipactis: Spiranthes flowers spiral up the stem, while Epipactis flowers grow in a straight spike and has pleated leaves up the stem.; vs Goodyera: Spiranthes flowers spiral up the stem, while Goodyera flowers grow in a straight spike and has a neat rosette with patterned leaves.; vs Piperia: Spiranthes flowers spiral up the stem and have pouched lips, while Piperia flowers grow in a straight spike.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spiranthes perexilis native to California?
Yes. Spiranthes perexilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Spiranthes perexilis bloom?
Spiranthes perexilis blooms Jul-Sep.
What plant family does Spiranthes perexilis belong to?
Spiranthes perexilis is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Spiranthes.
What habitat does Spiranthes perexilis grow in?
Spiranthes perexilis grows in Bogs, wet meadows, fens, seeps, wet roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.