Orchidaceae

Calypso bulbosa

Fairyslipper

Stem single, erect, with 1 widely oval basal leaf on short petiole. Leaf 1–2 1/2 in. across at widest point, with parallel veins, emerging in autumn, persisting through winter, withering in summer. Flower consists of 3 showy, usually rosy pink, pointed sepals and 2 usually pink petals above large, hanging, white or lighter pink slipper with rose-madder spotting. Bracts wrapping stem 2–4, top bract erect above flower. Albinos are not rare. Grows in deep forests in mountains around the world, here below 5500 ft. The genus is named for the beautiful sea nymph in Homer's Odyssey. Picking will break the roots and kill the plant.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 3--7 inches
• Habitat: West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Coastal
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Crater Lake Np, Wallowas, Siskiyous, West Gorge
• Native: Yes