''Spiranthes lacera'', commonly called the slender ladies'-tresses, is a species of

orchid Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering ...

that is native to Eastern North America. It has a widespread range and is found in a variety of open habitats, both natural and disturbed. It produces a spiral of white flowers in the summer. There are two varieties recognized:http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101954 ''Spiranthes lacera'' in Flora of North America *''S. lacera'' var. ''gracilis'' - Southern slender ladies' tresses, flowers more densely arranged in spiral, blooming later (late-July through August). Plant hairless and leaves usually absent at flowering. *''S. lacera'' var. ''lacera'' - Northern slender ladies' tresses, flowers more loosely arranged in spiral, blooming earlier (mid-July). Plant hairy and leaves usually present at flowering.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15452302

lacera ''Lacera'' is a genus of moths of the family Erebidae first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Description Palpi with second joint reaching vertex of head and short third joint. Antennae of male minutely ciliated. Thorax and abdomen clothed ...

Orchids of North America Orchids of the United States Plants described in 1818 Taxa named by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque