Orchidaceae
Orchid Family
Spiranthes cernua (L.) L. C. Rich.
- Stem: perennial; 8” to 12” tall; unbranched; smooth.
- Leaves: basal and on the lower stem; basal leaves linear, 4” by 1/4”, tapering to both ends; stem leaves clasping, to 1” long; smooth above and below.
- Inflorescence: spike, 1 1/2” to 2” long, flowers arranged in tight spirals; flower stalk hairy.
- Flowers: petals and sepals white, about 1/2” long, attached to the end of the ovary, 3/16” long; flowering from late August to early October.
- Fruits: capsule, oval, 5/16” long by 3/32” in diameter, one cavity; fruiting begins in mid-September; many tiny seeds.
- Habitat: infrequent on moist to wet prairies.
- Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
- Vascular Plants of Iowa
