Cypripedium fasciculatum

Cypripedium fasciculatum, the clustered lady's slipper,[1] is a member of the orchid genus Cypripedium. Members of this genus are commonly referred to as lady's slippers. C. fasciculatum, along with C. montanum and C. californicum, are the only members of the genus Cypripedium that are endemic to western North America.

Cypripedium fasciculatum
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Cypripedioideae
Genus:	Cypripedium
Species:	C. fasciculatum
Binomial name
Cypripedium fasciculatum Kellogg ex S. Watson, 1882
Synonyms
Cypripedium pusillum Rolfe, 1892 Cypripedium fasciculatum var. pusillum (Rolfe) Hook.f., 1893 Cypripedium knightae A. Nelson, 1906 Cypripedium wilsonii Rolfe, 1906

Description

C. fasciculatum has two plicate leaves that are usually near the ground, but can by elevated up to 15 cm in some individuals. Up to four flowers hang from a drooping stem; sometimes resting on the leaves or even on the ground. The petals and sepals are green to purplish-brown while the pouch is yellowish-green with purple streaking near the opening.

Range

C. fasciculatum is found in the western United States in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming.[2][3] It is usually found in cool, open coniferous forests, mostly in the mountains.

References

1. Jepson Manual Treatment of Cypripedium fasciculatum
2. US Department of Agriculture plants profile
3. Biota of North America Program, county distribution map

• Phillip Cribb & Peter Green (1997). The Genus Cypripedium (a botanical monograph). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Timber Press ISBN 978-0-88192-403-9