The flower has 3 petals. One petal is larger and showy
Cypripedium montanum
Orchid Family
This orchid is listed as locally endangered. We were driving down a road in the mountains of Montana when our friend JoAnn Simser yelled, "Stop!" When we stopped we found our first Mountain Ladyslipper. In an area of about a half of mile radius several plants exist. They bloom during June. The ones more exposed to the sun bloom first. The show lasts around three weeks.
Cypripedium regimae
Orchid Family
The Showy Ladyslipper is the state flower of Minnesota. It occurs in low areas. This one at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Minneapolis blooms around the 1st of June. They reported were blooming in 1999 on June 25th in Jay Cook State Park.The bottom photo by David M. Johnson.
Cypripedium calceolus
Orchid Family
This yellow moccasin was at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. It blooms in late April.
Calypso bulbosa
Orchid Family
JoAnn Simser took this picture in Colorado. The plant grows in Northern Minnesota and Montana.Photo by JoAnn Simser
Corallorhiza maculata
What a find!! This plant has no leaves. It lives in symbiosis with a fungus that serves as the roots and source of food. There were several at one location along the North Shore at Sugarloaf Cove.