Cypripedium montanum is a member of the orchid genus Cypripedium. Members of this genus are commonly referred to as Lady's Slipper orchids.

Description

C. montanum, sometimes called "Mountain Lady's Slipper," grows to be up to 70 cm tall. The stem has alternating, plicate leaves. Atop the stem sits one to three large flowers. The sepals and petals tend to be maroon-brown while the pouch is white. This species is a close ally of Cypripedium parviflorum, so they appear to be very similar with the main difference being pouch color.

Range

C. montanum can be found along the western third of the United States and Canada, from California and Colorado all the way up to Alaska. It is usually found at high elevation in open woods and subalpine slopes.

Common names

• Mountain Lady's Slipper
• Large Lady's Slipper
• White Lady's Slipper
• Moccasin Flower (same common name as Cypripedium acaule)

External links

• NRCS: USDA Plants Profile Cypripedium montanum, Range Map: , (AK),CA:

References

• Phillip Cribb & Peter Green (1997). The Genus Cypripedium (a botanical monograph). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Timber Press ISBN 0-88192-403-2