Description

• The lady slipper is a member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Plants typically grow from 6 to 15 inches tall. Lady slipper flowers can range from a bright magenta to w very light pink, yellow and white. Flowers blossom from May through July.
  
  

Biology

• The biological Latin species name for lady slipper is acaule, which means "stem less." This is attributed to the lack of leaves on the stem that bears the flower. While it is not carnivorous it does use a trap to attract bees inside its flower pouch to assist with pollination.
  
  

Habitat

• Varieties of lady slipper grow natively as a wildflower in every state except Nevada. You can find plants in forests with hardwood coniferous trees such as pine or hemlock trees. In eastern forest areas, they can be found growing underneath or nearby birch and deciduous trees.
  
  

Varieties

• The USDA lists fifteen species of lady slipper plants that grow natively in the United States. Among these species are the moccasin flower, the California lady's slipper, the spotted lady's slipper, pink lady's slipper, yellow lady's slipper and the mountain lady's slipper.
  
  

Home Gardens

• Lady slipper plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic and contains loam or sandy loam. Keep soil well drained and plant the lady slipper in a location that receives partial sun to light shade.