Native North American Slippers - Orchid Board

Ross · #1 11-05-2006, 02:32 PM

I thought I'd try to start a series of threads regarding native orchids. Hope others will join in with their images.

This is the Pink Ladyslipper, Cypripedium acaule, which normally occurs (at least here in Michigan) in dry pine woods.

This is also a Pink Ladyslipper, but is a very rare occurrence - an 'albino' form. This plant continues to come up every year (that I have checked) so I'm not sure where it gets it's nutrients from (no chlorophyll).

Cypripedium calceolus, Yellow Ladyslipper

Cypripedium calceolus parviflorum, Small Yellow Ladyslipper. This one is restricted to wet cedar swamps and calcarious soils of Michigan's Upper Penninsula.

Small Yellow Ladyslipper

Showy Ladyslipper, Cyp. reginae

Marco · #2 11-05-2006, 03:02 PM

Hey Ross great Photos. I absolutely love slippers. I'm gonna try one of these as soon as I have my own place with a viable lawn to use

Ross · #3 11-05-2006, 03:33 PM

Many folks here have had good luck with the Pink Ladyslipper. Where are you located? Maybe that would work for you. It's very common, not protected and easily transplanted (if you know what you are doing).

Marco · #4 11-05-2006, 05:03 PM

lol Ross I wouldn't have any idea what id be doing. I live in long island, new york. It might be a couple of years before I get the chance to experiment on my own lawn. I do love the parviflorum, kentuckiense, calceolus and reginae

Do you grow these yourself or are they in-situ pics?

Ross · #5 11-05-2006, 05:24 PM

These were recorded in-situ. But many locals have successfully transplanted pink ladyslipper and I've seen ads for Lady Tresses ( wet-growing) Seriously, it wouldn't be that hard if you really want to try.

Anglo · #6 11-05-2006, 11:08 PM

The "albino" one is really fascinating. I've never seen anything like that. It must conduct photosynthesis, or it couldn't survive. So where's the chlorophyl? Would the plant be deficient in chlorophyl, or is it there and just obscured in some way?

Tindomul · #7 11-05-2006, 11:18 PM

Gorgeous pics!! Thanks for sharing those with us. I hope to find some in the future, in the wild just to see them.

Wendy · #8 11-05-2006, 11:20 PM

Nice pictures Ross! I have a few myself (pictures) that I took this past spring when i was in the Bruce Peninsula. We organize a trip there each june and if you are ever interested in going on it let me know...I can send you the contact info. I'll post my pics sometime this week if I get a few minutes. They are not a nice as yours though...great photos!!!