Native orchids tend to not be commonly grown in gardens and many are finicky to grow, not commercially viable and/or rare in the wild. However, Spiranthes, also known as Lady Tresses, are probably the 2nd easiest native orchid to grow after Galearis spectabilis if you have the right site in my experience. There are three species on the retail market: Spranthese cernus, Spiranthes bightensis (first photo), and Spiranthes Verna (2nd photo). All three are easy to grow if you have a acidic bog garden or a wet spot. S. Verna can take fairly dry conditions in the wild at least as well–I've seen masses of it in the median next to roads on barrier islands. Orchids aren't exactly highly beneficial to wildlife but having fun with your garden is important too.
As with all orchids, only buy from a reputable vendor that does not collect them from the wild.
by Tylanthia
2 Comments
Can confirm-S. cernua is easy peasy in a bog, and lends itself easily to division after a few years
You have to be kind of twisted to get into *Spiranthes*.
They’re very cool and always a pleasure to stumble upon.