White lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium candidum, Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 142 (1805))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Muhl. ex Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 142 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cypripedium

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The White Lady’s-Slipper, scientifically known as Cypripedium candidum, is a captivating orchid belonging to the Orchidaceae family. This remarkable plant is characterized by its striking white flowers, which possess an enchanting slipper-shaped pouch, giving rise to its common name. The plant is primarily found from Southern Canada stretching to North Carolina and extending throughout the Eastern United States.

First documented in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” by the botanist Muhl. ex Willd. in 1805, the White Lady’s-Slipper has been a subject of admiration and study for over two centuries. This perennial herb typically grows in calcareous wetlands, such as fens and seepage areas, where it can take advantage of the rich, moist, and alkaline conditions essential for its growth.

Cypripedium candidum blooms in late spring to early summer, showcasing pristine white petals and sepals that contrast beautifully with the plant’s green foliage. The unique slipper-shaped lip, a distinguishing feature of the species, often displays subtle touches of yellow and maroon within, attracting pollinators like bees, which are essential for its reproduction.

This orchid is a slow-growing species, often taking years to reach maturity and bloom. It is imperative to protect its natural habitat due to its specific growing requirements and the threat of habitat loss. Efforts to conserve and propagate the White Lady’s-Slipper in protected environments are ongoing, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this botanical wonder.

The White Lady’s-Slipper stands as a testament to nature’s intricate beauty and the delicate balance of ecosystems that sustain such rare and exquisite plants. Its presence across a broad geographic range in North America underscores its resilience, while also highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts in the face of environmental changes.

Common Names

Eng: small white lady’s slipper, white lady’s slipper, white lady’s-slipper, small white lady’s-slipper
Fra: cypripède blanc
En: White lady’s-slipper, White lady’s slipper, Small White Lady’s-Slipper, Small white lady’s slipper, Small White Lady’s-slipper Orchid, White Lady’s-slipper Orchid
Bg: Снежнобяла пантофка
Fr: Cypripède blanc
De: Weißer Frauenschuh
Ru: Башмачок белоснежный
Es: Zapatilla de dama blanca pequeña

Synonyms

• Calceolus candidus ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Nieuwl.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Voss, E.G. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Evan Bishko (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Denny, Guy L. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Troutman, K.R. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2820374)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:75351-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cypripedium candidum Muhl. ex Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth