Showy Lady’s Slipper.Cypripedium spectabile.Whip-poor-will’s Shoes.
Found in bogs and swamps, in July.
The leafy stalk, about 2 feet in height, is downy to the touch. Its color is green.
The large oval leaf tapers much at the tip, and clasps the stalk at the base; the many ribs are parallel, the margin is wavy, and the surface is roughish. In color it is a full toned yellowish-green. The leaves are alternate in growth.
The bag of this flower is large, rounded, and much inflated; it is white and crimson-pink in color, and set about by 4 white petal-like parts. The stamens and large pistil are white, tinged with yellow. From 1 to 3 flowers grow on the summit of the stalk.
This is a curious and showy flower, much sought because of its rarity; its leafage is full, and fine in its long lines and strong curves, and the four flying white pennants give the blossom a cheerful and animated expression.