Cypripedium montanum Mountain Lady's Slipper

This beautiful native is listed as a "vulnerable" plant meaning that the population size in its native PNW area is decreasing at a rate that negatively impacts the long-term survival likelihood.

The plant can be identified by its erect stem

with clasping leaves. Leaves alternate, lance-shaped. Flowers 1–3, depending on age of plant, attached above leaf. Flower pouch large, white, with purple veins; petals purple, elongated, twisted; upper and lower purple sepals wider than petals and wavy. Grows in mixed conifer forests in deep humus, sometimes along roads, at low to mid- and into high elevations.

This particular plant and all lady's-slippers need the association of soil fungi and should never be disturbed in the field.

Rarity: Rare

Flowering Time: Early Summer

Life Cycle: Perennial

Height: 10--30 inches