Spiranthes ×stellata
Starry ladies' tresses
(c) Katya, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Orchidaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Spiranthes ×stellata (Starry ladies' tresses) is a native California perennial in the Orchidaceae family, recognized by hybrid species with limited range data.
Starry ladies' tresses is a California native perennial found in wet habitats across mountain and foothill regions in bogs, wet meadows, seeps, and moist roadsides at elevations of 300 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from July to August, this delicate orchid produces tightly spiraled white flowers with subtle pale yellow centers, creating an elegant twisted appearance. Growing 20 to 40 centimeters tall with slender stems, it develops linear-lanceolate basal leaves that emerge from the ground. Its distinctive flowers have a bell-shaped profile with spreading sepals and a fiddle-shaped lip that gives the plant its charming character. Light brown fruits develop after the flowers complete their bloom cycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; hybrid species with limited range data
Habitat and range
Habitat: Bogs, wet meadows, fens, seeps, wet roadsides
Elevation: 300-3000 m
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Spiranthes ×stellata blooms Jul-Aug.
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 ×stellata native to California?
Yes. Spiranthes ×stellata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Spiranthes ×stellata bloom?
Spiranthes ×stellata blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Spiranthes ×stellata belong to?
Spiranthes ×stellata is in the Orchidaceae family, genus Spiranthes.
What habitat does Spiranthes ×stellata grow in?
Spiranthes ×stellata grows in Bogs, wet meadows, fens, seeps, wet roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Spiranthes perexilis — Slender starry ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes porrifolia — Western ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes romanzoffiana — Hooded ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes ×sierrae — Sierra ladies' tresses
- Spiranthes sp. — Ladies' tresses
- Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis — Fairy slipper
- Calypso sp. — Fairy slipper
- Cephalanthera austiniae — Phantom orchid
- Cephalanthera sp.
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.