Barleycove and Sherkin Island, Co. Cork

Autumn Lady's-tresses Spiranthes spiralis Cúilín Muire Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: August-September. Perennial. Native. Single spiral of scented white flowers with a yellow-green lip. Basal rosettes of oval blue-green leaves grow next to the stem-base but not encircling it. A small, slender, erect plant, the round stem with bract-like scales. Height 7-20cm Found on dry, nutrient-poor, calcareous soils on grassland, dunes and cliffs. Occasional to locally frequent and often coastal. Similar: Irish Ladys-tresses, Spiranthes romanzoffiana

Autumn Lady's-tresses, Spiranthes spiralis, Cúilín Muire