Native Wild Orchids (Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis), also called ladies' tresses, were blooming in a small bit of prairie at our house in Norman, Oklahoma, United States on October 6, 2021. These plants grow leaves in the spring, but the flower stalks are without leaves in late summer when they bloom. According to the North American Orchid Conservation Center, this orchid is pollinated by a variety of long tongued bees including Anthidiellum notatum, Bombus perplexus, Bombus terricola, Bombus vagans, Calliopsis andreniformis, Hoplitis truncata, Lasioglossum imitatum, Megachile brevis and Megachile inermis. 2-4 days after anthesis, the column and lip separate and the stigma becomes sticky and receptive for pollinia.
A photo of the leaves in spring is at https://www.rsok.com/~jrm/2022Apr10_birds_and_cats/2022apr08_wildflower_IMG_7546c.html.
