Gyrostachys laciniata Small, Fl. S.E. U.S., 318, 1329. 1903; Ibidium laciniatum (Small) House

Plants 20–95(–100+) cm. Roots numerous, spreading, mostly to 1 cm diam., slender. Leaves persisting through anthesis, to 5, basal, reduced to sheathing bracts upward on stem, spreading, linear-lanceolate, keeled, 5–40 × 1.7 cm, rigid. Inflorescences: spikes loosely to tightly spiraled, 5–9 flowers per cycle of spiral, sometimes nearly secund; rachis moderately to densely pubescent, some trichomes capitate, glands obviously stalked. Flowers mostly ascending, white to cream, slenderly tubular, gaping toward apex; sepals distinct to base, lanceolate, tapering in distal 1/3, 6–10 × 2–3 mm; lateral sepals spreading; petals linear, falcate, 7–9 × 2 mm, apex apiculate or sometimes crenulate; lip yellow centrally, ovate, 6–9 × 4 mm, apical margin laciniate-dentate, crisped; basal calli incurved, long-tapered, to 1 mm; viscidium linear-lanceolate; ovary mostly 5 mm. Seeds monoembryonic.

Flowering May (Fla.)--Sep (north). Primarily on coastal plain in swamps, marshes, meadows, dry to damp roadsides, ditches, fields, cemeteries, lawns; occasionally in standing water; 0--50 m; Ala., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Md., Miss., N.J., N.C., S.C., Tex., Va.

Spiranthes laciniata is easily distinguished from S. vernalis, which it superficially resembles, by its capitate trichomes. It typically flowers later than S. vernalis where the two are sympatric.