Large Twayblade

(Liparis liliifolia)

 

   

 

Color Photograph: NRCS Plants Database, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Large Twayblade (Liparis liliifolia [L.] L.C. Rich. ex Ker-Gawl)

Identification: Flowers small, dull purple. Lower petal large, banner-like, flanked by two descending, pointed "petals" on either side. Lateral petals elongate, threadlike. Upper "petal" narrow and elongate. Flowers arranged in a loose, terminal spike. Leaves confined to two, large, ovate-elongate basal leaves with strong keels. Plant 4 to 10 inches in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to New England in the east, southward to Georgia and Missouri.

Habitat: Large Twayblade is found in mossy woods and ravines.

Flowering period: May to July.

Similar Species: Bog Twayblade is similar, but the flowers are green, not dull purple. Bog Twayblade is slightly smaller in overall size and the flower "petals" are usually wider.

Color Drawing: Wolcott, M.V. 1925. North American Wild Flowers. Smithsonian Institution.

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