Spiranthes porrifolia
Western ladies' tresses, leek-leaved ladies' tresses
(c) Chris Winchell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Spiranthes porrifolia (Western ladies' tresses) is a native California herb in the Orchidaceae family, recognized by flower color, profile shape, and sepal orientation.
Western ladies' tresses is a California native perennial found in northwestern California, Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, northern central coast, San Francisco Bay Area, southern coastal range, southern California islands, and Peninsular Ranges in wet meadows, freshwater marshes, and seeps at elevations up to 2,700 meters. Flowering from June to September, this delicate orchid produces yellowish to cream-colored flowers densely and tightly spiraled along the stem. Growing 15 to 60 centimeters tall with ascending stems, it develops basal and cauline lanceolate leaves that rise along the plant's slender structure. Its leaves are distinctive, emerging from the base and climbing the stem in slim, lance-shaped blades that support the intricate flower spiral. The fruit develops as a light brown capsule, completing the plant's elegant seasonal cycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by flower color, profile shape, and sepal orientation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet to moist meadows, freshwater marshes, seeps, wet roadsides
Elevation: < 2700 m
California counties: Placer, Tuolumne, Tulare, Nevada, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity, Madera, San Joaquin, Monterey, Humboldt, Mendocino, Inyo, Mariposa, San Bernardino, Mono, Fresno, El Dorado, Calaveras, Sonoma, San Francisco, Modoc, Butte, Plumas, Tehama, Lassen, Yuba, Lake, Alameda, Napa, Marin, Stanislaus, Riverside, San Diego, Sierra, Sacramento, Santa Cruz
Outside California: to southern Washington
Bloom period
Spiranthes porrifolia blooms Jun-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 porrifolia native to California?
Yes. Spiranthes porrifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Spiranthes porrifolia bloom?
Spiranthes porrifolia blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Spiranthes porrifolia grow?
Spiranthes porrifolia occurs in Placer, Tuolumne, Tulare, Nevada, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity and other counties, at elevations of < 2700 m.
What plant family does Spiranthes porrifolia belong to?
Spiranthes porrifolia is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Spiranthes.
What habitat does Spiranthes porrifolia grow in?
Spiranthes porrifolia grows in Wet to moist meadows, freshwater marshes, seeps, wet roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.