Scientific Name:

Calypso bulbosa

Family Name:

Orchid Family

Habitat:

Cool mossy forests, especially in thick needle debris beneath hemlock trees.

Characteristics:

1. Flowers rose-pink, slipper-shaped, with yellow & purple dots on wide lower lip. Dots point pollinators to nectar.

2. Solitary leaf found at base of stem.

Uses or Importances:

1. Very pretty forest flower.

2. They are rare, picking the flower may kill the plant, or at least delay the next bloom for several years.

3. Lady slipper orchids were eaten by the Indians & early settlers because of their rich buttery flavor.

4. Because they are rare, DO NOT PICK THEM! They don't survive transplanting.