Small Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum)
Other common names:
Smaller Yellow Lady's Slipper Family: Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) Group: Orchids, Lady's Slippers Distinctive features:
Lady's Slipper flower form, bright yellow. Similar species: • Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens var. pubescens) - Larger; greenish petals behind the "slipper". • Small White Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium candidum) - White flowers; also has greenish petals. • Hybrid Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum X C. candidum) - White flowers; purplish petals. Flowers: Spring; Yellow; Irregular Flowers; Bright yellow, pouch shape. Petals (behind the "slipper") are reddish (Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens var. pubescens) has green petals). Late spring - early summer. Height:
15-40 cm (6-16 in) Habitat:
Moist woods, bogs. Grows in Sun/Shade:
Sun Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 38 Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Uncommon, but common compared to other Lady's Slipper orchids. But in some places it is extremely common.
Notes:
There are two varieties of this orchid: Small Yellow Lady's Slipper and Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens var. pubescens). When you find this orchid, do not disturb it. DO NOT transplant it - it will likely not survive. Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: parviflorum: small-flowered Photographs:
100 photographs available, of which 8 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Small Yellow Lady's Slipper. The petals (those twisted "rays" behind the main flower) are reddish or blackish. This variety grows in boggy areas.
Closeup of a Small Yellow Lady's Slipper flower.
A view of the whole plant.
View from the rear.
Flower bud.
Seed capsule from previous year. This photo was taken in January. (I don't know which variety of Yellow Lady's Slipper this is, but they both look the same at this time of year!)
