Plant Description
Calypso bulbosa
One of the showiest orchids native to Oregon, this species has a bright pink flower with a shape that’s easy to imagine on a fairy’s foot (hence the name, fairy slipper). This plant has an obligate mutualism with fungi – meaning that it relies on this relationship with fungi throughout its life cycle, and can’t survive without it. This makes it very hard to cultivate, so enjoy it where it grows naturally!
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
| Characteristic | Plant Information |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 8 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Life Span | Perennial |
| Moisture Use | Moderate to High |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Deer Browse | No |
| Wildlife Value | Pollinators |
| Resprout Ability | Yes |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 5-9 |
| Bloom Time | April-May |
| Bloom Color | Light pink to magenta |
| Habitat Type | Forests, typically coniferous |
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
| Classification | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Monocots |
| Order | Orchidales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Calypso |
| Species | C. bulbosa |
