Spiranthes ochroleuca

Spiranthes ochroleuca [Yellow Ladies' Tresses]

In a large bowl shaped, reclaimed coal mine stripping from many many years ago, I found this single, solitary Yellow Ladies' tresses Orchid [Spiranthes ochroleuca]. About a half a mile from a Nodding Lady tresses site [Spiranthes cernua] in a mine acid settling pond. It makes you wonder how these plants, in this case one lone plant, get to be where they are. And how plants can survive in such apparently harsh conditions? Plants, like this one lone orchid, are truly amazing! Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-13-21

Spiranthes ochroleuca. Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-13-21

Spiranthes ochroleuca. North Central Pennsylvania, 9-6-21

Yellow Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes ochroleuca]. North Central Pennsylvania. 9-6-21. Plant with twin flower spikes shown with normal Spiranthes ochroleuca.

A beautiful Yellow Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes ochroleuca]. North Central Pennsylvania. 9-6-21. With twin flower spikes.

Spiranthes ochroleuca. North Central Pennsylvania, 9-6-21

A beautiful Yellow Ladies' Tresses Orchid [Spiranthes ochroleuca]. North Central Pennsylvania. 9-6-21. With twin flower spikes-I have never seen this before on any Spiranthes anywhere.

Yellow ladies tresses [Spiranthes ochroleuca]. Carroll County, N H. 9-4-12