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Calypso bulbosa var. americana
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. americana (R. Br.) Luer
Fairy Slipper
Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
Synonym(s): Cytherea bulbosa
USDA Symbol: CABUA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
Calypso bulbosa is chlorophyllous but also hemi-mycoheterotrophic; that is, it makes it own food, but also utilizes at least one fungus species to provide some of its carbon intake. The known fungi involved is Thanatephorus ochraceus, a saprotroph.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 9 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Yellow , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CO , ME , MI , MN , MT , NH , NM , NY , SD , UT , VT , WI , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , NT , NU , ON , QC , SK , YT
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Calypso bulbosa var. americana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Calypso bulbosa var. americana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Calypso bulbosa var. americana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-24Research By: TWC Staff