Spiranthes sp.
This is a type of orchid. I found it in my front yard, east of El Dorado. The flower stalk was about 3 feet tall, with grass-like leaves at the base. The flowers have green on the center lip. "Wildflowers of Arkansas" says there are about five species of Spiranthes in the state. This was blooming in late May. (There's a little green spider at the top of the flower spike in the first picture.)
Spiranthes sp.
A large group of a second species was growing over a large area along Bus. 82 near Industrial Road. El Dorado. Although this species still has the grass-like basal leaves, it has a shorter flower spike, the flowers show a more noticeable spiral up the spike, and they have a pale yellow interior instead of the green on the lip. They also have more pronounced "tusks" on the lower side. Late May.
Lizard's-Tail
Saururus cernuus
Along Bus. 82 near Industrial Road. El Dorado. Late May.
