Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, usually solitary, unbranched, green, glabrous below, short-hairy above.
- Leaves
- Mostly basal, simple, sessile, linear to lanceolate, 2 to 12 inches long, less than 1 inch wide, pale green; margins entire; tips pointed; upper leaves reduced to 2-6 alternate, sheathing bracts with tapering-pointed tips.
- Inflorescence
- Spikes, 2 to 5 inches long, with up to 60 flowers in 2-3 tightly twisting spirals; floral bracts ovate, to 1 inch long, green; tips tapered to sharp points.
- Flower
- Less than 1/2 inch long, blooming from bottom to top; sepals 3, petal-like, white; petals 3, white; lower petal lip-like, somewhat constricted near middle; center yellowish green; tip rounded, crisped; stamen 1, united with pistil.
- Fruit
- Capsules, erect, egg-shaped, about 1/4 inch long; seeds numerous, tiny, brown.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Wet meadows, dry or wet, upland prairies, thickets, and rocky limestone glades.
- Distribution
- East 2/3 of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
The inflorescence has the appearance of braided hair, which is the source of its common name. The flowers are fragrant, with a lilac or vanilla-like odor.
Special Notes: See also Spring lady's tresses and Slender lady's tresses
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Orchidaceae - Orchid Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 3-24 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-21
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: August, September, October