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McAdoo, David R.
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes
Fairy slipper
Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
USDA Symbol: CABU
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A single mostly pink bilateral pendant flower with an inflated, slipper-like lip petal hangs at tip of an erect, reddish flower stalk that grows above 1 basal leaf.
This short perennial rises from a small tuber and is the only species in this genus. Named for the sea nymph Calypso of Homers Odyssey, who detained the willing Odysseus on his return from Troy; like Calypso, the plant is beautiful and prefers secluded haunts.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , ME , MI , MN , MT , NH , NM , NY , OR , SD , UT , VT , WA , WI , WYCanada: NB , NL , NS , PE
Native Distribution: Across Canada and northern United States to northeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, New York, and New England.
Native Habitat: Thick duff and mossy ground in cool, damp, mainly coniferous woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Calypso bulbosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Calypso bulbosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Calypso bulbosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-12-18Research By: TWC Staff
