Lady slippers like the shade

Named for the shape of its blossom, the large yellow lady slipper is a native North American orchid. Southeast Missouri is near the southwestern edge of this flower's range, which extends northward into eastern Canada. It is considered a rare flower in many places throughout its natural range.

The large yellow lady slipper blooms during late April into May. It grows best in cool moist semiacidic soil where there is shade for most of the day.

I found this one growing on a hillside in a forest of mostly large oak trees. The plant was close to 2 feet tall.

To photograph this and other low growing wild flowers, I recommend carrying a small, lightweight camouflaged pillow on which to stabilize your camera while taking the picture. Also, move slowly and be aware of the likelihood of ticks and snakes.

Like many wild animals and plants living in specialized conditions, this flower is susceptible to a threat that is not easily recognized. A method of timber harvest called clearcutting removes the shade required by the large yellow lady slipper.

@body_no_indent italics:Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo.