Spiranthes romanzoffiana           "Hooded ladies tresses"

  • _CFM2456
    • |
  • Ladies tresses, Nez Perce Ford, Orchid, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Yellowstone
    • |
  • 8/23/14 9:14:46 AM MDT
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  • 4000 × 6016 (24.1 MP)
    • |
  • 30.59 MB
    • |
  • YNP > 14_0823YNP
  • _CFM2463 - Version 2
    • |
  • Ladies tresses, Nez Perce Ford, Orchid, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Spiranthes sp., Yellowstone
    • |
  • 8/23/14 9:20:36 AM MDT
    • |
  • 3906 × 1982 (7.7 MP)
    • |
  • 30.36 MB
    • |
  • YNP > 14_0823YNP
  • _CFM2291
    • |
  • Gibbon River, Ladies tresses, Orchid, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Yellowstone
    • |
  • 8/20/14 1:31:15 PM MDT
    • |
  • 4000 × 6016 (24.1 MP)
    • |
  • 30.38 MB
    • |
  • YNP > 14_0820YNP

Like the Platanthera (bog orchids), the ladies tresses orchids are widespread around waterways. But the Spriranthes like the sun. 

Locations: Gibbon River at any of the pullouts that people use to fish. Old Faithful on the edge of the Firehole River near the footbridge closest to the OF Lodge, Nez Perce Ford picnic area in the grass between the large parking area and the Yellowstone River. The Nez Perce Ford colony extends downstream along the shoreline of the Yellowstone River for quite a way. Heart Lake  (backcountry area) -- go back into the wet area where the trail is along the beach. 

Blooming: August 23, 2014, perfect blossoms at Nez Perce Ford and Old Faithful area. August 20, 2014, already in seed pods along the Gibbon River in a very sunny spot. 

Sniff test: Sweet perfume in the morning.