Question: Can you identify a plant for me? It grows in the woods, with amaryllis type of leaves. It has a pink rounded bloom and looks like it is nodding.
Answer: The plant you are describing is Lady Slipper Orchid. This plant was blooming beautifully in late April. The common name "lady's slipper" refers to the distinctive shape of these beautiful orchids.
They are native to North America. The state flower of Minnesota is the Showy Lady's Slipper. The Pink Lady's Slipper is the official state wildflower of New Hampshire.
Lady's slipper orchids are in the genus Cypripedium. Twelve species occur in the U.S. The Cypripedium orchids of North America are hardy terrestrial plants that can grow in cold climates and flower in early to mid-spring when there is plentiful moisture and cool temperatures.
The genus name Cypripedium is derived from the Greek words "Cypris," an early reference in Greek myth to Aphrodite, and "pedilon" for sandal. This is because the fused petals that form the orchid's pouch or modified lip resemble a slipper or shoe. The staminode is often showy and seems to welcome the insect into the pouch where it transfers pollen to the stigma.
For centuries Cypripedium species have been sought after and collected not only for their unique beauty but also for the medicinal trade. Widespread collection, attempts at transplantation, and loss of habitat have drastically reduced their numbers.
Wild lady's slippers have special requirements that make them difficult to cultivate, and rarely survive transplanting from the wild and usually illegal. Many lady's slipper species are endangered and even just collecting the flower alone may be enough to kill the plant.
Lady slippers are sometimes used today to treat anxiety or insomnia or muscle pain. Not much is know about its potential herbal properties so I suggest you just enjoy its flowers if you are lucky enough to see one in your walk in the woods.
For your question to be answered here email Cynthia_lauderdale@ncsu.edu.