Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis
Native Orchids U.S. & Canada, 112. 1975.
Endemic
Basionym: Neottia gracilis Bigelow Fl. Boston ed. 2, 322. 1824
Synonyms: Ibidium beckii (Lindley) House Ibidium gracile (Bigelow) House Spiranthes beckii Lindley Spiranthes gracilis (Bigelow) Beck
Leaves usually absent at anthesis. Inflorescences loosely to very tightly spiraled, sometimes secund, flowers approximate, mostly without distinct space between proximal flowers (ratio of spike length/flower number less than 2.3), glabrous. Flowers: lip 4–7.5 mm, rounded at apex; central portion green with clearly defined, broad crisp white apron. 2n = 30.
Phenology: Flowering Jul–Oct(–Nov).
Habitat: Dry to moist meadows, prairies, barrens, open woods, dunes, old fields, roadsides, cemeteries, lawns
Elevation: 0–1100 m
Distribution
N.S., Ont., Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., D.C., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Ky., La., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Mo., Ohio, Okla., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Vt., Va., W.Va., Wis.
Discussion
Hybrids of Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis with S. vernalis are known as Spiranthes ×intermedia Ames.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.