If you are fortunate enough to spot a wild orchid, it will probably be Yellow Lady's Slippers, which grow in most parts of Canada and the United States. The plants have 1 to 2 flowers on long stalks (8-30 in) and flower in early summer.
The flowers are made up of a shiny yellow open pouch (or slipper) with 3 twisted greenish-brown petals above it. There are often reddish-brown spots or light stripes inside the pouch. The plants have 3-6 leaves (up to 7 in long) with deep parallel veins. The leaves resemble those of Solomon's Seals and False Solomon's Seals, and it may be hard to tell them apart if the plants aren't flowering.
Yellow Lady's Slippers often grow in clumps and can be found in moist, partially shaded meadows, forests, and bogs.
Did you know? Don't pick or try to transplant Yellow Lady's Slippers as they are relatively rare, slow growing, and have very specific soil and habitat requirements.
See Also: Calypso Orchid
