1. Liparis liliifolia (L.) Rich. ex Lindl. (large twayblade, lily twayblade)
Pl. 114 e, f; Map 469
Flowering
stems 8–30 cm long, the raceme with 5–30 flowers. Leaves 5–15 cm long, broadly
elliptic to ovate. Sepals 9–12 mm long, yellowish green, the margins curled
under. Lateral petals 10–13 mm long, pendant, brownish purple. Lip 7–12 mm
long, obovate, the tip with an abrupt point, brownish purple with darker purple
veins. Capsules 15–18 mm long, the stalks as long as or longer than the
capsules. May–June.
Scattered
nearly throughout the state, but more common in the eastern half (eastern U.S. west to Iowa and Arkansas; China). Dry or more commonly mesic upland forests on acidic
substrates, on stream banks, slopes, and ridgetops; also occasionally on
sandstone ledges.
For
a discussion of further vegetative characters to distinguish L. liliifolia
from the related L. loeselii, see the treatment of that species. There
have been no studies to confirm the insect pollinators for large twayblade,
although flies and other insects have been observed to visit the flowers. Some
botanists continue to spell the specific epithet incorrectly, “lilifolia.”