Spiranthes bightensis Chadds Ford

Spiranthes bightensis 'Chadds Ford', formerly listed as Spiranthes cernua, is an easy-to-grow native orchid that ranges from Virginia north to New Jersey. The ground-hugging, dark-green rosettes spread slowly by short underground rhizomes, creating a nice colony when growing in moist but well-drained organic soils. In mid-September, the rosettes produce 18" tall spikes spiraled with small, white, bell-shaped flowers, emitting a delightful fragrance often described as a cross between vanilla and jasmine. Spiranthes 'Chadds Ford' was discovered in the 1960s by orchid fancier Dick Ryan just before the habitat near his hometown of Bear, Delaware, was to be developed. It went on to fame, winning the Certificate of Cultural Merit from the American Orchid Society. DNA work determined that Spiranthes bightensis started life as an ancient hybrid between Spiranthes cernua and Spiranthes odorata, before speciating.