Spiranthes sp.
Ladies' tresses, Ladies Tresses
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Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Spiranthes sp. (Ladies' tresses) is a native California perennial in the Orchidaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Spiranthes sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Spiranthes sp. belong to?
Spiranthes sp. is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Spiranthes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Spiranthes ×stellata — Starry ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes perexilis — Slender starry ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes porrifolia — Western ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes romanzoffiana — Hooded ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes ×sierrae — Sierra ladies' tresses
- Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis — Fairy slipper
- Calypso sp. — Fairy slipper
- Cephalanthera austiniae — Phantom orchid
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.