Plant of the Month

Common Names:  Fairy Slipper or Calypso Orchid

Genus species: Calypso bulbosa

Family: Orchidaceae

Identification:

• Blooms in mid-late May.
• Found in cool, moist, coniferous forests, at times in great numbers.
• It should be protected as it is very fragile.
• Picking or attempting to transplant destroys the root.

Ecological Interest

• The orchid family is the largest of all plant families; most live in tropical and subtropical regions, but about 30 species live in the Rocky Mountains.
• The flower structure is highly specialized for insect pollination.

Where can I find them in the Park?

• Lower Beaver Trail near Slough Pond and the Raccoon Trail.