Cypripedium parviflorum

Identifying Features

Yellow lady’s slipper has a singular sac-like flower that resembles a “slipper” with twisted petals. It has alternating leaves that are large, parallel-veined, and clasping a hairy stem.

Habitat & Range

It is found in wet woods throughout the US and Canada.

Behavior

The plant produces nectar to attract insects and use them to pollinate itself. They contain very small seeds that can be easily transported off by wind currents.

Life Cycle

Yellow lady’s slipper bloom between late spring and summer in the months of May-July.

Featured image by Daniel Layton.