Plants 5–40 cm. Roots few, slender, spreading to descending, mostly to 0.5 cm diam. Leaves persisting through anthesis, few–several, basal, usually on proximal 1/2 stem, recurved-spreading, oblanceolate, 3–15 × 0.5–1.5 cm. Spikes tightly spiraled, usually 3 flowers per cycle of spiral, rarely loosely spiraled in depauperate plants; rachis pubescent, some trichomes clavate to capitate, glands obviously stalked. Flowers pure white; sepals distinct to base, slightly spreading, 3.5–6.1 × 1–1.5 mm; petals lanceolate, 6 × 1 mm; lip ovate, 5 × 3 mm, apex with finely crisped margin; veins few, branches parallel; basal calli spreading, slender, mostly to 0.75 mm; ovary mostly 3–8 mm. Seeds monoembryonic.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

e North America.

Discussion

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Spiranthes ovalis var. erostellata, Spiranthes ovalis var. ovalis

Key

1	Rostellum and viscidium present.	Spiranthes ovalis var. ovalis
1	Rostellum and viscidium absent.	Spiranthes ovalis var. erostellata