SafePlants

Cypripedium parviflorum: The Yellow Lady's Slipper

The Cypripedium parviflorum, also commonly known as yellow lady's slipper or greater yellow lady's-slipper, is a captivating member of the orchid family. This plant has intrigued botanists and garden enthusiasts alike with its unique floral structure and variations.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• A root infusion of yellow lady's slipper has been noted to have sedative qualities.
• The plant has an irregular flower with a pouch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cypripedium parviflorum Salisb.
• Common Names: Yellow lady's slipper, Greater yellow lady's-slipper, Large yellow lady's slipper, Small Flowered Yellow Lady's Slipper.
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
• Varieties:
  • Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum (Small yellow lady's slipper)
  • Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens (Willd.) Knight (Greater Yellow Lady's Slipper). Synonyms include Cypripedium calceolus var. and Cypripedium pubescens.
  • Cypripedium parviflorum var. makasin
• Alternative scientific names mentioned include Cypripedium calceolus, Cypripedium flavescens, and Cypripedium pubescens.

Morphological Characteristics

• The flower is irregular, featuring a distinctive 1 to 2-inch yellow pouch.
• It has long, twisted, brownish petals.
• Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens can grow up to two feet tall, with flower petals up to 6 inches long.
• Small yellow lady's slipper (var. parviflorum) has a lip about 1 inch long, reddish-purple to brown flags, and 4-6 leaves.

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in eastern and central North America.
• Specific locations mentioned include Minnesota, Newfoundland and Labrador, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN), and the Northern Rocky Mountains.
• It can be found in hardwood and mixed forests.

Quirky Facts

• The Small or Lesser Yellow Ladys Slipper (C. parviflorum), has very fragrant flowers.
• It has sedative qualities.