Moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule)

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Illustration of Cypripedium acaule by Catherine Kopper

Species: Cypripedium acaule
Common Name: Moccasin flower
Status: Endangered, Illinois; Commercially
Exploited, Endangered, Tennessee
Range: Eastern United States and Canada

Map of North America illustrating the range of Cypripedium acaule

Artist: Catherine Kopper
Artist Home Country: United States
Medium: Watercolor

This orchid does not transplant well due to a relationship with a soil fungus not common in home gardens. Once established in suitable habitat, with a large root system it can live for decades.

A specimen of Moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule) from the museum's herbarium collection:

National Herbarium preserved specimen of Cypripedium acaule