| Family | Orchid (Orchidaceae) |
|---|---|
| Bloom | Late spring, early summer |
| Habitat | Wet, swamps, moist woods, slow-moving streams |
| Status | Native – Protected Michigan Wildflower – Do Not Disturb |
| Cycle | Perennial |
| Height | 1-3′ |
| Flower | Flower is a pink and white ball-shaped pouch with wide white sepals and petals. There may be up to 3 flowers on separate flowerstalks on a single stem. |
| Leaf | Leaves are on the full length of the stem. They alternate and are broad with prominent veins running parallel. Bases of leaves clasp the stem. |
| Notes | The Showy Lady’s Slipper is the largest and most impressive of the orchids found in Michigan. It should never be handled or dug up. This long-lived plant takes up to 15 years to mature and form flowers. Some people get a poison ivy like rash from touching the stems or leaves. |
