Spiranthes vernalis

The name “Spiranthes” comes from the Greek words “spir” meaning “coiled” and “anthes” meaning “flowers,” and this name refers to the spiral shape of the inflorescence.  The species name “vernalis” means “of the spring,” referring to this species flowering in the spring, whereas most of the other Spiranthes orchids bloom in the summer or fall.  The many species in the Spiranthes genus are difficult to distinguish.