Yellow Lady's Slipper Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens
ABOUT
The plant in question is commonly known as the Greater Yellow Lady's Slipper. It is a striking perennial characterized by its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers. The blooms showcase a vibrant yellow hue with a pouch-like formation, inviting pollinators. Surrounding the central pouch, there are twisted petals and sepals with rich brown to reddish-brown tones. Its leaves are broad, and they possess a deep green color that forms an attractive backdrop to the colorful flowers. They are typically pleated with conspicuous parallel veins. The Greater Yellow Lady's Slipper flowers in the spring, bringing woodland areas to life with its bright and unusual blossoms that demand attention from passersby.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Orchidaceae
Synonyms
Large Yellow Lady's Slipper, Greater Yellow Lady's Slipper, Nerveroot, Yellow Moccasin Flower
Common names
Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens, Cypripedium pubescens.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as Yellow Lady's Slipper. This plant is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports or studies indicating that ingestion or contact with Yellow Lady's Slipper causes poisoning or toxic reactions in humans. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning are generally associated with this plant.
To pets
Yellow Lady's Slipper is not commonly known to be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. There is no well-documented evidence to suggest that pets ingesting or coming into contact with Yellow Lady's Slipper will experience toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning directly attributable to this plant. However, as with any non-food plant material, ingestion can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the non-digestible nature of plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem support – The large yellow lady's slipper is a native orchid that provides essential habitat and food for various pollinators, including bees, which play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating other plants.
- Biodiversity promotion – By existing in its natural habitat, the large yellow lady's slipper contributes to plant diversity, encouraging a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
- Ornamental value – The large yellow lady's slipper is highly prized for its unique and attractive flowers, making it a desirable addition to gardens and landscapes for aesthetic purposes.
- Educational interest – This plant can be used as an educational tool to teach about native species, plant biology, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect wild plants.
- Cultural significance – The large yellow lady's slappler holds cultural importance for certain indigenous and local communities who have traditional uses and stories associated with the plant.
- Soil stabilization – Like many native perennial plants, the large yellow lady's slipper can help prevent soil erosion in their natural habitat through its root system.
- Habitat creation – The plant provides microhabitats for various small insects and organisms, contributing to a complex and thriving ecosystem.
- Genetic resource – As a native species, the large yellow lady's slipper contributes genetic diversity that can be crucial for plant breeding and conservation efforts.
Medical Properties- Anxiety relief: Known historically for its calming properties, the root may have been used to alleviate nervous conditions.
- Antispasmodic: It has been suggested that it could help relieve muscle spasms.
- Sedative: The plant may have had a use as a mild sedative to promote relaxation or help with sleep.
- Nervine: Considered to potentially have a strengthening or supportive effect on the nervous system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Yellow Lady's Slipper is often used as a striking element in native plant gardens, due to its unique and eye-catching flower shape.
- The plant can be used in educational settings, such as botanical gardens or nature centers, to educate the public about native species and orchid pollination mechanisms.
- Dried and pressed specimens of Yellow Lady's Slipper are sometimes used in herbarium collections for scientific research and documentation of plant diversity.
- Its rarity and distinctive appearance make it a subject of interest for nature photographers and botanical illustrators.
- Yellow Lady's Slipper can be featured in cultural events or art installations highlighting the natural heritage and biodiversity of the region it's native to.
- In environmental conservation areas, it can serve as a flagship species to indicate healthy ecosystems and promote conservation efforts.
- Some foundations or conservation groups could adopt the image of the Yellow Lady's Slipper for branding and awareness campaigns.
- The plant might be used in ceremonies by indigenous groups who have traditional ties to the local flora and its symbolism.
- Hobbyist growers of this plant sometimes engage in seed trading or conservation through cultivation to propagate and spread awareness of the species.
- Local stories or folklore might incorporate the Yellow Lady's Slipper, giving cultural value and narrative significance to the presence of the plant in certain areas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yellow Lady's Slipper is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yellow Lady's Slipper is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens, commonly known as the Yellow Lady Slipper, is often associated with beauty due to its striking, slipper-shaped flowers and appealing visual characteristics.
- Femininity: Its resemblance to a dainty slipper has led to it symbolizing womanhood and feminine qualities.
- Rarity: As a rare and protected species in many areas, the Yellow Lady Slipper can symbolize uniqueness and the precious nature of scarce entities.
- Resilience: Despite its delicate appearance, it is quite resilient and can symbolize the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
WaterLarge Yellow Lady's Slipper should be watered thoroughly once every week during its active growing season in the spring and summer, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the fall and winter months, reduce watering to every other week. Use room temperature water, and carefully pour directly onto the soil to avoid wetting the leaves, providing approximately a half gallon of water per plant. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
LightLarge Yellow Lady's Slipper thrives best in dappled sunlight, mimicking the natural light conditions of woodland areas. It should be placed in a spot where it receives bright, indirect light, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal for optimal light exposure without the harshness of direct sunlight.
TemperatureLarge Yellow Lady's Slipper prefers temperate conditions, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging between 65 to 75°F, and slightly cooler nighttime temperatures of 50 to 60°F. It is hardy and can tolerate a temperature drop into the low 40s°F but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. Ensure to protect it from extreme temperature changes and drafts to maintain healthy growth.
PruningPruning the Large Yellow Lady's Slipper is generally limited to removing dead or yellowing leaves to maintain its appearance and prevent potential disease. Prune immediately after flowering or in the fall when the plant starts to go dormant. Use sterilized pruning shears and cut at the base of the unwanted foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Large Yellow Lady's Slipper requires a moist, well-draining soil mix high in organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. The best soil mix could be a blend of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure drainage and aeration.
RepottingThe Large Yellow Lady's Slipper should be repotted every two to three years or when the substrate begins to break down, which can lead to root rot. It's important to use fresh orchid-specific soil mix when repotting.
Humidity & MistingThe Large Yellow Lady's Slipper thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-70%. Maintaining this humidity is vital for the health of the plant, especially when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens) begins its life cycle when its seeds, which lack endosperm for initial growth, are infected by mycorrhizal fungi that support seed germination and early development. The seedling stage is prolonged, often lasting several years, as the plant develops belowground structures and a small shoot. The juvenile stage continues until the plant has built enough energy reserves to produce its first flower, which might take several more years. Upon reaching maturity, the Yellow Lady's Slipper produces distinctive yellow, pouch-like flowers annually in late spring or early summer, dependent on pollination by insects attracted to the flower's color and scent. After pollination, the plant develops a fruit capsule containing numerous tiny seeds, which, upon dispersal, can colonize new areas if mycorrhizal fungi are present. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in winter, with aboveground parts dying back, and reemerges in spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens, commonly known as the Large Yellow Lady's Slipper orchid, is propagated best by division, which should ideally be done in the late summer or early fall after the plant has finished flowering but before the onset of winter. Division involves carefully digging up the orchid's rhizome and gently separating it into smaller pieces, each with at least one growth bud. These sections are then replanted in appropriate growing conditions, ideally mimicking their natural woodland habitat with well-draining soil and dappled sunlight. Care should be taken not to over-water, as this can lead to rot, and patience is required, as it can take several years for a new division to flower.
