Lesser Yellow Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium parviflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
The lesser yellow lady's slipper is a delicate native orchid with distinctive pouch-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. This woodland perennial grows in small clumps with broad, ribbed leaves and requires consistent moisture and partial shade to thrive. It goes completely dormant in winter, disappearing until the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lesser Yellow Lady's Slipper takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears when dormant, leaving bare spots
- Uncommon orchid appearance may seem too wild or weedy
- Requires very specific growing conditions that may be hard to maintain
Wildlife value
This orchid attracts native bees and beetles with its unique flower structure. The specialized blooms provide nectar for pollinators during the late spring flowering period.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Lesser Yellow Lady's Slipper fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.