why are yellow-lipped ladies tresses endangered?

Answer 1

Judging by your nickname, I'm thinking you're from New York. That state list them because they are considered "Exploitably Vunerable" - meaning people pick them or they are in areas where the habitiat is likely to be lost, depleting the population. Different states have different reasons.

This is a link to a federal plant database where you can find info and range maps - the link is for your species. You might also want to look up your state's department of natural resources/department environmental protection and see if they give a list for endangered plants and the definitions of the categories.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SPLU2

Answer 2

In the United States, the wetlands where these flowers are found are being destroyed and degraded at an alarming rate.