Lore: The Cherokees used a plant tea of Ladies'-tresses to wash infants to insure fast healthy growth.^{(Hamel/Chiltoskey)} The root of European species have also been used as an aphrodisiac.^{(Foster & Duke) (Grieve)}

Medical Uses: Native Americans and herbial healers have used the plant as a diuretic for urinary problems and skin infections, painful breasts and eye problems.^{(Hamel/Chiltoskey) (Grieve)}

Similar Species: There are several similar species listed in some books that are now not considered separate species and have been grouped with other species and considered variants. Texas ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes brevilabris) is distinguished by having a downy flower spike. It is found in the deep south from Florida to Texas. Little Ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes tuberosa), AKA Spiranthes grayi has narrow leaves and smaller flowers. Spring Ladies'-tresses or Upland Ladiestresses (Spiranthes vernalis can reach a height of 1.2 meters (4'), has narrow leaves on the stem as well as the base. The flowers are yellowish or white and have a pronounced fragrance. It is in most of eastern North America in bogs, wet woods or fields and beaches. It begins blooming in January in the deep south and is in bloom in the north late in the year.

Other Spiranthes have flowers that do not spiral or have more than one row of flowers such as Nodding Ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes cernua

See the links below this image for other images. (1) © Daniel W Reed   E-mail      Image use policy Northern Slender Ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes lacera Canon Digital Rebel XT / 350D Camera, Canon EF180mm F/3.5L Macro USM Lens, Canon RC-1 Remote Release 1/5 Sec. f/10.0 ISO 100, Manfrotto 3021PRO Tripod, Manfrotto 3025 3-D Head License or buy prints and other photo items. OTHER IMAGES These images open in a new window. You may need to resize the window to view the entire image. Ladies'-tresses, Northern Slender (Spiranthes lacera) - close view of flower  © Daniel Reed Ads on this page help pay for this site but if you see one that seems inappropriate here such as one that is counter to the pro environmental theme please let me know which Ad and I will block it. Report a Bad Ad

One of the best general guides to wildflowers of the North Eastern and North Central United States. Newcomb's key is an excellent, simple method for identifying plants. Newcomb has drawings for almost every plant mentioned that are excellent aids to identifying the species. Though only the more common plants are covered this is often the first book I pick up when trying to identify a wildflower.

Wildflo wers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians

This is perhaps the best of many field guides covering this region. Featuring 446 excellent color photographs (located with the text) and mentioning as similar to those illustrated are another 800 or so species for a total coverage of over 1,200 species. The start of each family section includes line drawings of some of the species showing important features. The text includes the usual description, bloom season, range, habitat and additionally includes information such as medical uses and lore and how the species was named. This is the official field guide of the Tennessee Native Plant Society.