Ladies tresses is a term usually associated with a type of wild orchid that has long and spiraling clusters of small, delicate flowers. However, there are several other words that can be used interchangeably with ladies tresses, such as Spiranthes, Nodding Ladies Tresses, Cleistes, Spiranthes ovalis, Spiranthes spiralis, and Spiranthes borealis. These synonyms are used because they describe similar-looking plants with similarly shaped petals and can be found growing in similar habitats. Additionally, these synonyms allow for clearer communication about which particular type of ladies tresses is being referred to, helping to avoid any confusion between different species.