Whippoorwill Shoe Cypripedium

There are numerous species in the Cypridedium genus, some temperate while others are tropical or subtropical.   Up to twelve of these species can be found in the US, many in coniferous forests, deciduous woodlands, bogs, and grasslands.  Eleven of those are within the National Forest System lands. Protected by law, these species continue to flourish.  

Flourishing in cool temperatures and moist soils, they will bloom in mid-spring.  The new shoots will emerge to form a grouping of green leaves.  

The majority of the species are considered terrestrial, a plant that grows in, on or from the soil.  Although Lady's Slipper is typically terrestrial, some varieties are epiphytic, growing on the surface of other plants or even rocks.

Size, color, growing conditions and bloom season and duration can differ greatly within the species.  Differing in so many ways, they all have the common slipper-shaped pouch.

The showy, colorful blooms are multicolored, with the labellum showing a contrasting color from the petals.

The common name Lady's Slipper is derived from its slipper-shaped lip that acts as a trap for insects.  The stamen is quite showy and attractive to insects who make their way to a rear exit, thereby transferring pollen to the stigma.  

Although they are very difficult to transplant from the wild, attempts to collect specimens continue, and have led to the drastic reduction in the population.   For your garden, hybrids can be easily grown, however, this plant has been called the slowest growing plant known to mankind.  Maturity and flower production may not occur for over 10 years.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Excess watering during their dormant period can lead to shoot rot.  Slugs are an occasional problem.