Cypripedium parviflorum, commonly known as yellow lady's slipper or moccasin flower, is a lady's slipper orchid native to North America. It is widespread, ranging from Alaska south to Arizona and Georgia. It grows in fens, wetlands, shorelines, and damp woodlands.

Description

Taxonomy

C. parviflorum is a highly variable species, which is a result of both hybridization and phenotypic plasticity. Four varieties are widely recognized. They are:

Distribution and habitat

Distribution

Habitat

C. parviflorum is a more upland plant preferring subacidic to neutral soils. It is found primarily in mesic to dry-mesic upland forests, woodlands with deep humus or layers of leaf litter and shaded boggy habitats, but also in hill prairies and occasionally in wetlands with organic, well-drained, sandy soils. Specifically, in fir, pine, and aspen forest between 6000 and 9500 ft, it prefers moderate shade to nearly full sun. It may be present in mountain meadows and on timbered slopes, as well as dripping seeps on steep to moderately sloped canyon walls.