Autumn lady’s tresses

 

Autumn lady’s tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), the last of our native orchids to appear, are coming up all over Spy Holms at the moment. Quite the diminutive orchid they're easily overlooked if you're not paying attention, attractive though, comprising dainty little white flowers with greeny yellow bracts growing spirally around a single stem. They favour rough grassland and heath, though are more commonly found on calcareous soils they will tolerate lightly acidic soils, and Spy Holms usually puts on a good display of them.

Autumn Lady’s Tresses

Spy Holms is covered in Autumn Lady’s Tresses orchid (Spiranthes spiralis); it's been a bumper season for these delicate beauties, so much so you have to mindful of your steps.   

Lady's Tresses

Autumn lady’s tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), so unassuming and delicate that they're easily overlooked as you stride out over Spy holms. Although not as abundant as in previous years, these beautiful tiny orchids are putting on a lovely show.

Autumn lady’s tresses

That delicate herald of seasons change the Autumn lady’s tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), are beginning to show. Called 'Autumn', they usually appear in August and September, although I usually spot them in the latter month. Only one or two, though it's still early doors, in a good season they can carpet their roams.