Yellow lady slipper was first described in Germany in 1753, then later scientifically classified by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. The Latin translation for calceolus is 'little shoe', referring to the shape of the labellum (lip). The labellum is the part of the flower of an orchid that serves to attract insects, which pollinate the flower, and acts as their landing platform. Arising from a rhizome, yellow lady slipper is a perennial wildflower found in mesic and seepy forests as well as other habitats. It is one of the largest of the orchid varieties in its range. Each plant will produce 1 or 2 blooms. They vary in color from reddish-brown to black, and occasionally green. It can be difficult to transplant. This plant needs deep, organic soil to thrive. It is one of the easiest native orchids to maintain in a woodland garden. "Nursery-grown" plants of this type are often poached from the wild, so verify that the plants are nursery propagated before purchasing one. This plant is considered an NC Significantly Rare species. Although not classified as endangered, climate change and human encroachment on this plant's habitats place some risks for this plant's future in the wild. Adjusting for these hindrances, the plant has adapted to other environments, including locations where humus is present and over areas consisting of a limestone base. It is also frequently found in the proximity of hazel trees. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and snails frequent the plant as a food source. It is difficult to grow from seed, it can take years for the plant to be large enough to flower.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 4 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Leaf detail
The large pleated leaves form in an alternating fashion along the stem. Each stem will have 3 to 4 leaves with lengths over 6".
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Pink; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Head; Solitary
Flower shape
Cross
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The lower yellow petal of each flower is inflated to form a 1-1.5 in. pouch. The long, slender petals are twisted to form a spiral. Blooming occurs from April to June.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
Fruits are capsules with many minute seeds, visible July-August.