Gardeners are often surprised to discover small, delicate orchids blooming unexpectedly in their lawns. These plants challenge the typical perception of what an orchid looks like or where it might grow, sparking curiosity and confusion. The term “lawn orchid” accurately describes these charming botanical surprises that emerge amidst turfgrass, leading homeowners to wonder about their identity and how to approach their presence.
What is a Lawn Orchid
The plant commonly referred to as a “lawn orchid” is typically a species from the Spiranthes genus, known as Ladies’ Tresses orchids. These are terrestrial orchids, meaning they grow in soil rather than on other plants. They are characterized by their slender, upright stems, usually ranging from 8 to 24 inches tall. Their small, often white, bell-shaped flowers are arranged in a distinctive spiral or twisting row around the upper part of the stem, resembling braided hair. Some species may have flowers with a yellow or green lip.
Their leaves are typically narrow and grass-like, growing from the base. For many species, these basal leaves may wither away just before or as the flower spike emerges in late summer or early fall. Ladies’ Tresses orchids are native to many regions, including wide areas of North America, and are often found in moist, unkempt lawns, meadows, open woodlands, and even along roadsides. While Spiranthes are the most common, another small, white-flowered species, Zeuxine strateumatica, an Asian native, has naturalized in parts of the southeastern U.S. and Hawaii, also growing in disturbed habitats like lawns.
Lawn Orchids in Your Landscape
Ladies’ Tresses orchids possess significant ecological value as native plants, supporting local biodiversity. For instance, species like Nodding Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) are pollinated by various bee species, including bumblebees. Their spiraling flower arrangement is thought to encourage efficient pollination by these insects.
Whether a lawn orchid is considered a “weed” or a desirable plant largely depends on a homeowner’s gardening philosophy and lawn care preferences. While some might view any non-grass plant in a manicured lawn as an unwanted intruder, these orchids are generally not aggressive or invasive in their native ranges. They typically spread slowly, either by seed or by forming offsets from their roots. Understanding their native status and ecological benefits can help in deciding whether to embrace their unexpected presence or manage them as part of a traditional lawn aesthetic.
Managing Lawn Orchids
To encourage lawn orchids, reduce mowing frequency, particularly during their late summer to fall blooming period, to allow flower stalks to develop and set seed. Avoiding herbicides is beneficial, as these chemicals can harm orchids and their sensitive root systems. Maintaining a less manicured lawn environment, such as allowing some areas to grow taller, can create more favorable conditions. Ladies’ Tresses orchids often prefer well-drained, moist soils that are not overly rich in nutrients.
If removal is preferred, non-chemical methods are generally recommended. Manual removal by carefully digging out the plants, including their fleshy root systems, before they produce seeds, helps reduce their presence. Consistent, more frequent mowing also suppresses their growth by preventing flowering and reproduction. However, simply cutting the tops may not eliminate the plant, as some species regenerate from remaining root parts. Herbicides are not advised due to orchid sensitivity; if chemical control is considered necessary, consult a local extension service for appropriate products and application methods, as broadleaf herbicides can harm these plants.