© Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS
PINK LADYSLIPPER
Cypripedium acaule
REMEMBER: It is an offence to pick wildflowers in any provincial park.

Also known as Pink Moccasin-flower, this perennial is a member of the Orchid family. Found in shady areas of Algonquin Highlands’ Jackpine and Black Spruce forests, Pink Ladyslipper grows to a height of 20 - 30 cm on an erect, leafless stem that has two basal leaves. These elliptic, 10-25 cm long leaves, taper to a pointed tip, and are sparsely hairy. The flower is approximately 7.5 cm long, pink to deep pink in colour, and blooms from May to June.

The 'moccasin' and 'slipper' in the common names reflects the Natives and white settlers view of what the flower looked like. It has been used for medicinal purposes. Pink Lady's Slipper is a food source for many insects and White-tailed Deer.