Threatened and Endangered Species Ute Ladies Tresses Fact Sheet
Threatened and Endangered Species: Ute ladies'-tresses Spiranthes diluvialis
OFFICIAL STATUS: Threatened. Threatened species are species that are likely to
become endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of their range.
LISTED: 57 Federal Register 2053; January 17, 1992.
HISTORICAL STATUS: Ute ladies’-tresses was probably much more widely distributed
prior to European settlement of the West. Disruption of natural flooding events
and other anthropogenic influences have likely limited the distribution of this
PRESENT STATUS: Known to occur in eight states: Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho,
Washington, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. There are ten known locations in four
Montana counties: Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin and Beaverhead. The largest
Montana population consists of about 500 plants.
HABITAT: Montana populations seem restricted to low elevation, calcareous
microhabitats within old river meanders that are temporarily inundated and
remain moist throughout the growing season. The plant is adapted to relatively
sparse vegetation, possibly as a result of grazing, but not season-long grazing.
It also appears to be adapted to disturbance from flooding.
LIFE HISTORY: Ute ladies’-tresses is a native, perennial, white- flowered orchid
that grows up to 20 inches tall from tuberous roots. It blossoms from late July
to early September. The plant relies on insects for pollination. The seeds are
short-lived. Flowering stem numbers fluctuate from year to year; some
non-flowering plants seem to be able to persist underground in season long
dormancy. This orchid usually produces an overwintering rosette of basal leaves.
AID to IDENTIFICATION: White or ivory colored flowers clustered in a spike of
3-ranked spirals at the top of the stem. The sepals and petals are oriented
perpendicular to the stem. The upper stem is sparsely to densely
glandular-pubescent. The persistent leaves are mostly restricted to the base of
the stem; upper leaves are reduced to bracts.
REASONS for DECLINE: This orchid depends on natural stream processes and
probably on the type of nomadic grazing typical of native ungulates. Dams and
diversions have interrupted stream flooding cycles. Urbanization has also
eliminated habitat characterized by periodic flooding. Grazing prior to flower
stem formation may be beneficial because it limits competition from taller, more
aggressive species. Season-long grazing, however, is detrimental. Heavy
recreational use of riparian habitats can result in trampled plants. Weed
infestations are a serious threat to Ute ladies’-tresses. This species has a
very low reproductive rate, which makes it even more vulnerable to the above
RECOMMENDATIONS: Restrict the use of herbicides in Ute ladies’-tresses habitat.
Avoid livestock grazing during the flowering-fruiting period. Short grazing
periods followed by relatively long rest periods are desirable.
COMMENTS: The presence of Ute ladies’-tresses can be an indicator of watershed
health. Traditional agricultural land uses appear to be compatible with
maintenance of this species if some consideration is given to its life history
REFERENCES: Conservation Status of Spiranthes diluvialis Sheviak in Montana, by
Bonnie Heidel, 1998, available from the Montana Natural Heritage Program. Ute
Ladies’- Tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) Recovery Plan is in preparation by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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