Minnesota Wildflowers


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Liparis liliifolia (Lily-leaved Twayblade)

Plant Info
Also known as: Brown Widelip Orchid, Large Twayblade, Purple Twayblade, Mauve Sleekwort
Genus:Liparis
Family:Orchidaceae (Orchid)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, shade; rich mature woods, pine plantations
Bloom season:June - July
Plant height:3 to 10 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular raceme

[photo of flowers] A raceme of 6 to 24 pale purple (in bright light of day) to brownish flowers, about 5/8 inch long, on a purpling ovary and flower stalk. The lower lip is broadly triangular and attended by 2 hanging, purple thread-like lateral petals. The 3 sepals are greenish yellow and slender; the upper is extended back, the lower two extended out below. The column is a little green nose rising at the top.

Leaves and stem: basal simple

[photo of leaves] There are 2 basal leaves, oval-elliptic, gently pointed, 1½ to 9 inches long, up to 3¼ inches wide, shiny on the upper surface, and sheathing lower stem. Leaves and stem are hairless. The stem is angled.

Notes:

Leaves could be confused with Galearis spectabilis (Showy Orchis), whose range it overlaps and habitats can closely resemble each other, but L. lilifolia prefers more acidic soils and a more open canopy, and the flowers have no resemblance.

Where to buy native seed and plants

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  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk, taken at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA though also found near the City of Blaine water tower

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