Cypripedium fasciculatum Kellogg ex S. Watson

Brownie Lady's Slipper, Clustered Lady's Slipper

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Cypripedium knightae, Cypripedium pusillum

Cypripedium fasciculatum, the Clustered Lady's Slipper, is endemic to western North America and easily recognized by its drooping flowers clustered at the top of the stem. Flowers vary in color from greenish brown to purple to nearly red and the 2 rounded leaves that appear to be opposite are actually offset slightly midway up the densely hairy stem. The seed capsules are also hairy and as they mature, the stem straightens out, presenting the capsules in an erect position. This dwarf orchid grows in moist to dry, cool, open coniferous forests, often near stream banks on fairly steep slopes.

Cypripedium fasciculatum is apparently secure although vulnerable in parts of its range due to loss of habitat from logging.

Pollination

This orchid is pollinated by an undescribed female Diapriid wasp, Cinetus sp., in search of fungus gnats. These wasps use fungus gnat larvae or pupae as hosts and it has been theorized that the scent of this orchid mimics larval fungus gnats.

Ecosystem Type

Forests, shrublands or thickets, stream bank

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
opposite
Number of leaves on stem:
two
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is simple
Main color of labellum:
  • blue to purple
  • green to brown
  • yellow
Nectar spur:
absent
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum is saccate
Labellum length:
8–15 mm
Sepal length:
12–25 mm
Plant height:
6–35 cm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank Apparently Secure
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data