Spiranthes odorata (Fragrant ladies'-tresses orchid)

The Spiranthes odorata were in full bloom. The fragrance is like an earthy vanilla -- very strong. I could tell when I was near the flowers even before I saw them...

We are spending the weekend along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This is a great time for fall wildflowers, including native orchids.

Our first stop was the Francis Marion National Forest near Charleston, South Carolina.