Liparis liliifolia (Lily-leaved Twayblade)
| 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 |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: none MW: FACU NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/liparis-lilifolia-5.jpg)
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:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/liparis-lilifolia-19.jpg)
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.
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More photos
Lily-leaved Twayblade plants
close-up of a flower, from the top
more plantsPhotos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk, taken at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA though also found near the City of Blaine water tower
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2012-05-19 16:36:31
My wife found this in our woody backyard today. We were hauling branches from a downed tree on a path and she spotted it. It seems to have survived the brush with death. The area is sparse small aspen (1") and box elder. Mostly thinny growing brome and other non-native plants in the surrounding area. The plant was a half a foot off a well used deer trail.
on: 2012-06-13 09:40:10
Found about 5 or 6 of these in a small everygreen grove on our property.
on: 2014-07-15 03:52:04
Found in an old granite quarry in Renville County
on: 2014-11-02 04:56:33
Last June I spotted 2 of these orchids in our yard on a west facing hillside, near a 25 yr old white pine. In dappled sunlight. Just now, found out the name. Thank you
on: 2015-06-07 19:30:02
I was clearing buckthorn from the back of our property and found this unusual orchid. How exciting! I took a photo and was able to locate like pictures online to identify it.
on: 2015-06-16 22:20:10
While cleaning a semi shaded area on the edge of the wood, I found a large patch of this beautiful orchid!
on: 2015-06-23 15:54:03
Found two plants in our garden - did the research to find the correct name . Twayblade
on: 2015-06-28 19:51:45
Many of these lovely orchids found in an old field turned old Christmas tree planting. Many in flower the last week of June.
on: 2016-05-29 08:11:21
I found Liparis liliifolia blooming on our farm in Mower county today (5-28-2016) in a place that was a corn field 15 years ago.
on: 2016-06-12 22:03:52
We saw several of these in bloom today (6/12/16) while on a Minnesota Native Plant Society field trip. Some were right near the hiking trail. http://carpenternaturecenter.org
on: 2016-06-14 07:22:28
I have several of these in a 17 year old 2 acre restoration on my property. I did not plant them. This is a tall grass restoration, no trees. They are very hard to spot.
on: 2018-05-13 04:01:29
I've seen these in June in the shade in a transition area from woods to old field at Elm Creek Park Reserve.
on: 2018-06-08 16:35:27
6-8-201 Spotted this cluster in an old abandoned pasture now covered with 30 year old Poplar and Red Oaks and invasive buckthorn. We have several native orchids growing on our land (Moccasin, Orchis, Putty Root) But I have never seen this species before today.
on: 2018-06-13 10:31:08
Found this under a Canadian Cherry at the edge of a field when I was clearing buckthorn. Ground is covered with needles from adjacent Red (Norway) Pines--acidic soil.
on: 2018-06-19 10:08:05
Growing in the shade of sumac in a remnant prairie. This seemed like a very odd place to find it!
on: 2019-06-05 14:23:19
I know of a population of these within a city park in Minnetonka, growing in shade among young aspen and sumac.
on: 2019-06-14 18:55:43
Right between some rocks on a trail in Interstate park.
on: 2019-06-29 10:10:15
Found while weeding in my hosta garden..did not plant them. Fun to discover.
on: 2020-06-09 12:40:22
Found two of these in the front yard growing under a peony canopy. Partial shade, near an oak tree.
on: 2020-06-13 19:19:37
I found one in bloom (June 13th) while weeding a flower garden that is near a swamp. It is quite unique and beautiful.
on: 2021-03-11 19:25:00
We are restoring a 40 acre prairie/woodland/wetland complex in NW Wisconsin, < 10 miles from the Minnesota border. Found a single Liparis lillifolia.
on: 2021-06-19 17:13:53
A colony along a trail on our land. Fairly shady.. Must be careful mowing there from now on.
on: 2022-06-22 16:19:58
I found this beautiful small orchid in our white pine grove.
on: 2024-06-09 10:01:57
Found several plants after clearing red cedar as part of a prairie enhancement.
on: 2024-06-09 19:50:20
Nine of these are flowering now in front yard. Also for the first time we saw a moral mushroom. Under Mature oaks
on: 2024-06-10 09:41:50
For second year, 2 small groups of this orchid on Wolf Creek Wetland Wildlife area. In restricted area along deer trail.
on: 2024-06-24 16:06:57
I spotted one of these as I was pulling weeds around my day lilies. I had never seen one before so I looked it up. What a find and such a beautiful plant. I have no idea where it came from or how it came to be located where it is but I hope that it comes back next year.