WHERE’S WILDLIFE • WILDFLOWER FIELD GUIDE

Greater Yellow Lady’s-slipper

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

Pronunciation (approximate): sip-rih-PEE-dee-um par-vih-FLOR-um pew-BES-enz

A large yellow pouch forms the flower’s lower lip. Explore the photographs below, from flower details to the plant in its surroundings.

Greater Yellow Lady’s-slipper: close view of yellow pouch and twisted lateral petals. Tap to browse the photo gallery.

NATIVE • WILDFLOWER

At a glance

Family   Orchidaceae
Life cycle   Perennial
Blooms   May–July
Height   8–30 inches
Habitat   Moist rich woods, swamps and other damp sites; sun or shade

Bloom dates and size vary by region and growing conditions. Native status refers to North America.

Sightings map

Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.

How to recognize it

Key identification clues

  • A large yellow pouch forms the flower’s lower lip.
  • Narrow twisted lateral petals flank the pouch.
  • Broad alternate leaves have strong parallel veins and clasp the stem.

Where and when to look

Moist rich woods, swamps and other damp sites; sun or shade. Look for flowers in may–july; local conditions affect timing.

Compare similar plants

Compared with Small Yellow Lady’s-slipper, the pouch is usually larger and lateral petals often paler. Size and color vary, so compare several features.

A closer look

Flower details

A large yellow pouch forms the flower’s lower lip.

Leaves & stems

Narrow twisted lateral petals flank the pouch.

Whole plant & habitat

Broad alternate leaves have strong parallel veins and clasp the stem.

Field photographs

Browse 18 photographs. Tap any image to enlarge it; use Load more photos for additional views.

Range & sightings

Widespread across Canada and much of the United States.

Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.

Keep learning

Practice recognizing Greater Yellow Lady’s-slipper, then explore other flowers in the guide.

Sources & further reading

Original photographs: Where’s Wildlife. Identification and distribution references:

References checked October 2026. Pronunciations are approximate guides; botanical Latin pronunciation varies.

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading…