Plant · GBIF taxon 2820517
Lady's-slipper
Cypripedium calceolusAlso known as Yellow Lady's-slipper, Lady's-slipper Orchid
Lady's-slipper is a terrestrial orchid with a large yellow pouch-shaped lip framed by twisting maroon-brown petals and sepals. Broad pleated leaves climb the upright stem, while germination depends on a close partnership with soil fungi.
terrestrial orchidpouch flowermycorrhizal plant
Licensed referenceMg-K ((GFDL)) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Produces energy through photosynthesis and relies on mycorrhizal fungi during germination and establishment
Predators
- slugs
- snails
- grazing deer
ThreatsIllegal collection, trampling, woodland change, drainage, grazing, and disruption of soil fungi
HabitatsOpen woodland, calcareous grassland, forest edges, fens, and limestone slopes
Life spanA slow-growing perennial that may live for several decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- SpeciesCypripedium calceolus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Plant hairs and sap can trigger allergic contact dermatitis; avoid bare-skin contact and never pick or dig wild orchids.
- Why it is dangerous
- Lady's-slipper tissues bear contact allergens that can cause an itchy, blistering dermatitis in susceptible people.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm the yellow pouch-shaped lip, twisted maroon-brown petals and sepals, and broad pleated stem leaves visually.
- What to do
- Do not touch or pick the orchid; wash exposed skin promptly and seek medical advice for a severe or spreading rash.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for a yellow slipper-shaped pouch among twisted dark petals.
- Protect: Keep the location undisturbed and photograph from firm established ground.
- Contact: Avoid touching leaves, stems, flowers, or sap with bare skin.
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