Pink Lady's Slipper - Cypripedium acaule Aiton

Phonetic: sip-rih-PEE-dee-um a-KAW-lee

Pink lady’s slipper is a perennial native to the forests of eastern North America. It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers cool, acidic, well-drained soils high in organic matter. This species favors dry to moderately moist conditions. The pink lady’s slipper relies on a delicate balance of soil pH, mycorrhizal fungi, and minimal disturbance, making it both beautiful and sensitive to changes in its natural habitat.

Pink lady’s slipper blooms in late spring to early summer, typically from May through July, depending on climate and elevation. Each plant produces a single flower on a leafless stalk rising from a pair of leaves. The flower is distinguished by its large, inflated pink pouch, which traps visiting insects. Pollination is achieved primarily by bumblebees, which enter the pouch in search of nectar but must exit through a narrow opening ensuring pollen transfer. After successful pollination, the plant forms a small capsule containing thousands of tiny, dust-like seeds that mature and disperse by late summer or early fall, relying on specific fungi in the soil to germinate and grow.

Pink lady’s slipper plays a unique role in forest ecosystems and pollinator relationships. Its flowers provide a specialized food trap for bumblebees early in the growing season, supporting native pollinator populations when few other deep forest flowers are in bloom. 

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Part Shade, Shade
• Flower Color: Pink
• Bloom Time: April, May, June, July
• Soil Type: Medium Dry, Medium ,Moist
• Mature Plant Size: 1-2'H, 1'W
• Plant Spacing: 1.5'
  
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies,
• Advantages: Rabbit Resistant 
• Landscape Uses: Meadows, perennial borders, pollinator gardens
• Companion Plants: Cinnamon Fern, Bunchberry, Highbush Blueberry,