Lady's Slipper

Family: Violaceae

Hybanthus monopetalus is a delicate erect herblike shrub about 10-30 cm tall. It is common in sheltered spots in varied habitats.

The blue flowers have 5 petals, but 4 are so tiny as to be inconspicuous. The fifth is 5-21mm long. Monopetalus is Latin for single-petalled.

The leaves are narrow, 1-6cm long, and quite soft. Upper leaves are opposite, while the lower ones are alternate.

Hybanthus monopetalus flowers from September to December.