Yellow Lady Slipper Cypripedium calceolus
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Cypripedium parviflorum
- Phonetic Spelling
- sip-rih-PEE-dee-um kal-KEE-oh-lus
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Yellow lady slipper was first described in Germany in 1753, then later scientifically classified by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. The Latin translation for calceolus is 'little shoe', referring to the shape of the labellum (lip). The labellum is the part of the flower of an orchid that serves to attract insects, which pollinate the flower, and acts as their landing platform.
Arising from a rhizome, yellow lady slipper is a perennial wildflower found in mesic and seepy forests as well as other habitats. It is one of the largest of the orchid varieties in its range.
Each plant will produce 1 or 2 blooms. They vary in color from reddish-brown to black, and occasionally green.
It can be difficult to transplant. This plant needs deep, organic soil to thrive. It is one of the easiest native orchids to maintain in a woodland garden. "Nursery-grown" plants of this type are often poached from the wild, so verify that the plants are nursery propagated before purchasing one. This plant is considered an NC Significantly Rare species.
Although not classified as endangered, climate change and human encroachment on this plant's habitats place some risks for this plant's future in the wild. Adjusting for these hindrances, the plant has adapted to other environments, including locations where humus is present and over areas consisting of a limestone base. It is also frequently found in the proximity of hazel trees.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and snails frequent the plant as a food source. It is difficult to grow from seed, it can take years for the plant to be large enough to flower.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cypripedium
- Species:
- calceolus
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Wildflower
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe and Russia
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees are the main source of pollination.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 4 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Poisonous
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Fruits are capsules with many minute seeds, visible July-August.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cross
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The lower yellow petal of each flower is inflated to form a 1-1.5 in. pouch. The long, slender petals are twisted to form a spiral. Blooming occurs from April to June.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The large pleated leaves form in an alternating fashion along the stem. Each stem will have 3 to 4 leaves with lengths over 6".
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Small Mammals