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pink lady's slipper

Cypripedium acaule

The pink lady's slipper is a beautiful flower that looks like a little shoe! It has soft pink petals and grows in shady places. This special flower is a treat for the eyes in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The pink lady's slipper has a striking, puffy pouch-like flower, typically rosy pink with darker veins, resembling a small shoe. Its two large, broad green leaves grow flat at the base, with a single leafless stem rising to hold the solitary bloom.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusCypripedium
pink lady's slipper
flowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgecolorful trait badge
pink lady's slipper

Category

Plants

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

206

Interesting facts

Growing one from seed in a garden is almost impossible!

It's an orchid! There are over 28,000 kinds of orchids in the world.

Its roots can spread far and wide, helping it find new resources.

Some lady's slippers are purple, white, or even yellow, not just pink!

Special abilities

Ability

Fungal Food Factory

Its tiny seeds rely on a specific fungus in the soil to provide essential nutrients, allowing them to grow.

Ability

Secret Sprouter

pink lady's slipper can stay dormant underground for years, waiting for perfect conditions before emerging to bloom.

Measurements & details

Height
15-40 cm
Spread
10-20 cm
Flower Size
4-8 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Trapped inside to pick up pollen.

symbiotic with

Fungus

Tulasnella calospora

Provides nutrients for seed growth.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer browse the leaves and flowers.

Traits

Also known as

Moccasin Flower

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Look but don't touch! These flowers are special and should be enjoyed from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify pink lady's slipper?

The easiest way to identify pink lady's slipper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is pink lady's slipper?

15-40 cm

How wide does pink lady's slipper spread?

10-20 cm

How big are the flowers on pink lady's slipper?

4-8 cm

When does pink lady's slipper bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is pink lady's slipper edible?

No

Is pink lady's slipper toxic?

Mild

What is pink lady's slipper's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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