Cypripedium montanum

Cypripedium montanum is a member of the orchid genus Cypripedium. It is commonly known as large lady's slipper, mountain lady's slipper, white lady's slipper as well as moccasin flower. This latter is also the common name of Cypripedium acaule.

Mountain lady's slipper

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Genus: Cypripedium
Species:
C. montanum
Binomial name
Cypripedium montanum
Douglas ex Lindl., 1840
Synonyms
  • Cypripedium occidentale S. Watson, 1876
  • Cypripedium montanum f. praetertinctum Sheviak, 1990
  • Cypripedium montanum f. welchii P.M.Br., 1995

Description

Cypripedium montanum grows to be up to 70 cm (30 in) tall. The stem has alternating, plicate leaves. Atop the stem sits one to three large flowers. The sepals and petals tend to be maroon-brown while the pouch is white. This species is a close ally of Cypripedium parviflorum, so they appear to be very similar with the main difference being pouch color.

Range

Cypripedium montanum can be found in the northwestern United States and western Canada. It is reported from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Alaska.[2][3] It is usually found at high elevation in open woods and subalpine slopes. Meriwether Lewis noted this species during his expedition while in Western Montana near Lolo Creek.[4]

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References
  1. NatureServe (2006), "Cypripedium montanum", NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life, Version 6.1., Arlington, Virginia
  2. US Department of Agriculture plants profile
  3. Biota of North America Program, county distribution map
  4. Schiemann, Donald Anthony. Wildflowers of Montana, page 168. Mountain Press Publishing Company, 2005.
  • Phillip Cribb & Peter Green (1997). The Genus Cypripedium (a botanical monograph). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Timber Press ISBN 0-88192-403-2
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