Past Field Trip: Hooded Lady’s Tresses Orchids, Fort Ord National Monument

 Fort Ord National Monument, Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Leader and affiliation: Andy Werner, CNPS member and botanist 

Andy Werner hosted a field trip to Fort Ord National Monument where the beautiful and striking hooded lady’s tresses orchids  (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) are in bloom. Native to North America, Ireland, and Great Britain, this orchid is uncommon in our area, occurring in wet meadows and seeps. The tightly spiraled inflorescence of up to 40 small white to ivory flowers is sweetly scented, attracting several native bee pollinators. We walked through grassland, oak woodland, and maritime chaparral on a hike 6.5 miles long with little elevation gain.

Practice clean trail etiquette.  Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers