Nodding Ladies' Tresses

Nodding Ladies' Tresses is a small, delicate native orchid producing a spiral spike of tiny white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late summer and fall — making it one of the last orchids to flower in North America. It grows in a wide range of open habitats including wet meadows, prairies, roadsides, and lawn edges across eastern North America. Its nodding flowers face downward in contrast to other Ladies' Tresses. Though small and easily overlooked, it provides critical late-season nectar for bumblebees preparing for winter.