Cypripedium parviflorum

Common Names

Yellow Lady's Slipper, Moccasin Flower, Small Yellow Lady's Slipper

Summary

Cypripedium parviflorum is a North American orchid, a rhizomatous geophyte native from Yukon to Newfoundland, occurring in moist calcareous woodlands, damp forests, bogs, fens, and along streams, it forms multi-stemmed clumps 15 to 40 cm tall with 3 to 6 hairy leaves per stem, and bears 1 to 2 yellow flowers with a pouch-like labellum that has reddish interior spots, the petals and sepals are burgundy and twisted outward, producing a distinctive slipper orchid appearance, with a fragrance reminiscent of apricots during bloom, it is relatively easy to grow in gardens when provided with partial shade and evenly moist loamy soil that drains well, roots should be placed near the soil surface and covered with compost, using a light mulch that does not touch stems, propagation is by division in early spring or late fall, ensuring each division carries at least one healthy shoot, and the plant tends to form colonies over time, bees pollinate the flowers, while deer may damage the plant, it suits native woodland, cottage, and informal garden settings, as well as patios and container plantings, in temperate regions, with care to avoid winter wet

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-12 inches

Spread

10-14 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Partial Shade to Full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun

Soil Type

Moist, loamy soil with high organic matter and good drainage

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that stays evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

6.0-6.5, Slightly acidic, Prefers acidic woodland loam

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not provided, trend data largely unavailable, rapid multiplication

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators