Kendall County Forest Preserve District
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper
(Greater Yellow Lady's Slipper)
Cypripedium parviflorum v. pubescens
[C-value
10]
Orchid family (Orchidaceae)
Blooms May -
mid-June
The native Large Yellow Lady's Slipper is rare in our area and is monitored as a Plants of Concern. It prefers partial sun to light shade and slightly moist loamy soil. Habitats include slightly moist deciduous woodlands and thinly wooded banks along streams. This perennial orchid is 1–2½' tall with a round stout central stem densely covered with hair. The alternate stem-clasping leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across, untoothed, and yellowish green with prominent parallel veins. The central stem terminates in a flower (rarely 2) on a long stalk with 3 petals and 3 sepals. The lower petal is in the shape of a slipper or a pouch with an opening on top. It is shiny bright yellow with reddish brown dots inside and 1½–2" in length. The 2 lateral petals are very narrow, twisted, 2–3½" in length and greenish yellow to brownish purple with fine veins running from their bases to their tips. A seedpod develops if the flower is pollinated.
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (next to Mayapple) on private property May 13, 2017
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper on private property May 13, 2017
Much appreciation to Leon Lies for his assistance in getting these photos.
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper on private property May 13, 2017
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper on private property May 13, 2017
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper seedpod on private property August 8, 2017
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