This is widespread from southeastern states to Central America. In Ky. it is one of the commonest Spiranthes, often occurring in old fields on soils with moderate fertility across a range of moisture conditions. It usually flowers in Jun-Jul, well before the lacera and cernua-ovalis groups. It is the only Spiranthes in Ky. with hairs all lacking distinctly glandular tips. Inflorescences vary from tightly spiralled to almost secund; flowers are relatively large (6-10 mm long).