SafePlants

Cypripedium acaule: The Pink Lady's Slipper

Cypripedium acaule, a captivating member of the orchid family, is a perennial wildflower that has captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts for generations. It goes by several common names, including pink lady's slipper, stemless lady's-slipper, and moccasin flower.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The plant produces a single flower on a hairy stem.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule Aiton
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
• Common Names: Pink lady's slipper, stemless lady's-slipper, moccasin flower, Pink Lady's-Slipper, Whipporwill, Pink Moccasin Flower, White Lady's Slipper
• The species name acaule is Latin for "stemless," referring to the leafless flowering stem.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cypripedium acaule is found in eastern North America.
• It prefers acidic soil, often found in pine woods.
• The plant can be found rising from carpets of fallen pine needles, moss, and lichens.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial plant growing to a height of approximately 0.4 meters (1ft 4in) at a slow rate.
• It is hardy to zone (UK) 5.
• It blooms from May to June.
• The plant features a leafless stalk bearing typically one, and rarely two, flowers.
• The flower has a distinctive pink, inflated, slipper-like lip petal, often veined.
• It has a hairy stem.

Quirky Facts

• Many species of native orchids were commonly called moccasin flowers at the beginning of the 19th century.
• The Moccasin Flower name is used for a perfume called Skippy Wood Nymph.