A delightfully dainty orchid recently appeared in my yard - don't think lawn - but an area of moss, mushrooms, and low-growing plants on sandy soil under an expansive oak tree. Known as Yellow Nodding Ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes ochroleuca), it stands 16 of a possible 22 inches tall, with a stem arising from long, slender basal leaves. It is the lone orchid in the area. With the help of a nectar-seeking bumblebee, it may be pollinated. If not, it is capable of agamospermy – seeds can develop from unfertilized ovules. Either way, I hope to see many more of the orchids in the area next year. And I'll await other beauties as well. I love what I discover each year in my no-mow yard!

Each flower is about ¼-inch long. On close observation, you'll notice how the flowers spiral around the stem in groups of three to four. The yellow centers of the flowers seem to glow in the sunshine, and their arching form and scalloped petal edges give them a feel of motion... like a  lady's long hair blowing in the breeze.

This orchid can be found in northeastern Canada and in the USA from Maine to S. Carolina to Kentucky, staying east of the Mississippi River. Look for it in dry open habitats such as open woodlands, dry meadows and fields, and along roadsides.

Two earlier blooming Spiranthes are on the Maine Rare Plant List by the Maine Natural Areas Program.