Stemless Lady Slipper

~ By Gardnbee ~

Family ~ Orchidaceae

Genus ~ Cypripedium ~ a genus that is the most primitive and isolated of all Orchids. There are approximately sixteen species in North America with somewhre between thirty to fifty widely spread across the Northern Hemisphere.

Species ~ acaule

Other Names ~ Pink Lady's Slipper and Moccasin Flower

The irregular flower of this plant has the classic Lady's Slipper shape, which is like a hollow pouch with a deep cleft in center and is usually pink to reddish pink in color. The white or albino form (f. albiflorum) of this plant is actually rare. Its two oval, basil shaped leaves stand upright from about six to twelve inches in height and blooms from late May to late June depending on growing area.

You can find this Orchid existing under variable conditions of moisture and shade amidst coniferous trees, most typically Eastern White Pine although they can also be found near the edges of swamps, mixed woods with or without coniferous trees and in granite ridges along with mosses and lichens. Some clumps of these Orchids have been established in their chosen place of residence for up to one hundred years and do not survive transplanting due to their delicate root system which grows along the surface of acidic medium.

Although this Lady's Slipper is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds it can cause skin irritation and/or allergic reaction when handled. A good thing for this Orchid since they are becoming less abundant due to habitat loss, attempts to transplant them from their natural environment and other influences. Please keep in mind that natural propagation is slow and so temptation to pick them should be avoided. Just admire their beauty if you are fortunate enough to come across them and leave undisturbed

Reference: Ontario Wildflowers

         

All ideas, concepts, and content including text, content and graphics are owned by
The Garden of Friendship and its members unless otherwise noted and should not be
taken or duplicated without expressed written consent. © 2000 and beyond.
The Garden of Friendship