Spiranthes cernua

Spiranthes Cernua [Nodding Ladies tresses]

The beauty of Spiranthes, in this case cernua or Nodding Ladies Tresses orchid, in the fall is a great way to end what was another fantastic orchid season. From the tiny and delicate Heart Leaved Twayblade [Neottia cordata] in the snow on May 1 and also in early May seeing, for the first time, a orchid that I have nloned to see for a great many years, the Long Bracted Green Orchid [Dactyloriza viride] and through spring with all the beautiful Pink Ladies slippers both pink and yellow [Cypripedium] to late May and the Showy Orchids [Galearis spectabilis] and the always striking Putty Root [Aplectrum hyemale]. June this year seeing a true wonder that I thought again I would never see, Dragon's Mouth [Arethusa bulbosa]. And through all the different Platanthera species in the heat of summer and late summer with Rattlesnake Orchids [Goodyera] and their amazing folige to fall with the Autumn Coralroot [Corallorhiza odontorhiza] and the beautiful Spiranthes shown here, we are blessed to have so many wild orchids here in the Northeast [60 in Pennsylvania alone]. The beauty, variety and complexity of these wild orchids is something to marvel at. And to study them up close reveals a even more beautiful world of patterns and colors that can take my breath away. Notice the way the sunlite makes the labellum sparkle like tiny diamonds. I see so many folks who look for orchids, take a picture, scratch it off their list and move on the the next flower, never noticing the wonder in front of them, I always feel sorry for these people. And if you are like me and like to study and amazing world orchid pollination and mysteries and complex relationship between incects and orchids the fascination is never ending. I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful people who have taken the time to help me this year in my quest to learn and appreciate the beauty and wonder of wild orchids, that always leaves me with a great sense of awe and wonder. Dauphin County, Pa. 9-22-23

Nodding Ladies Tresses [Spiranthes cernua]. Dauphin County, Pa. 9-22-23

Nodding Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes cernua]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-15-22. This plant found growing right out of mine acid drainage water, orchids and other plants resiliency and adaptation never ceases to amaze me.

Nodding Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes cernua]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-15-22

Nodding Ladies Tresses orchid [Spiranthes cernua] found in another mine acid settling pond-growing right out of the water! Dauphin County, Pa. 9-26-21

Nodding Ladies' Tresses [Spiranthes cernua]. North Central Pa. 9-6-21

Nodding Ladies' Tresses Orchids [Spiranthes cernua] with Bog Cranberries [Vaccinium oxycoccos]. North Central Pa. 9-6-21

Nodding Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes cernua]. Schuykill County, Pa. 9-13-21

Nodding Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes cernua]. Found in another mine acid settling pond area. This whole area has a soil that, when the surface is scratched away, is nothing but coal soil and silt. In this area I have found many orchids over the years as it is a special area. The orchids include P. ciliaris [Orange Fringed], P. lacera [Ragged fringed], C. acaule [Pink Lady's slipper] and P. clavellata [Little Club spur]. Although these areas are not the most attractive, with their orange water and the acidic coal smell in the air, they gave me a whole new appreciation for the power of nature, and its ability to adapt and renew in spite of ourselves. Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-13-21