SafePlants

Sparrow's-Egg Lady's-Slipper (Cypripedium passerinum)

The Sparrow's-egg Lady's-slipper, scientifically known as Cypripedium passerinum, is a delicate and beautiful orchid. It belongs to the genus Cypripedium within the Orchidaceae family. Other common names include spotted lady's-slipper, Franklin's lady's-slipper, White Ladys Slipper, and Northern Lady's-slipper.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cypripedium passerinum
• Common Names: Sparrow's-egg Lady's-slipper, Spotted Lady's-slipper, Franklin's Lady's-slipper, White Ladys Slipper, Northern Lady's-slipper
• Synonym: Cypripedium passerinum Richards
• Family: Orchidaceae

Distribution and Habitat

Cypripedium passerinum is found throughout the interior of Alaska, across Canada to Hudson Bay. It can be found near lake shores and ponds, as well as in moist coniferous forests, deep ravines, streambanks, lake margins, and gravel outwashes and talus slopes. It's also found in Yukon, James Bay and in the Mingan archipelago in Quebec, and Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Morphological Characteristics

• The pouch or lip of each flower is 2-2.5 cm (3/4-1") long.
• It is almost round and moccasin-shaped, with a small opening revealing purple spots on the inside.
• The petals are white.

Quirky Facts

• This orchid can take up to 15 years to produce flowers.
• The Sparrow's-egg Lady's-slipper occurs farther north than any other lady's slipper.