Cypripedium candidum

Cypripedium candidum is a species of Cypripedium

Description

Plant flowers in the summer with a single fragrant flower that is 8.5 cm wide.

Cypripedium candidum is considered rare across Canada, endangered in Ontario, and protected under the Ontario Endangered Species Act. It is believed to be extirpated from Saskatchewan. It is threatened in the United States, extirpated from Pennsylvania, endangered in South Dakota and Wisconsin, threatened in Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan, and rare in Missouri and North Dakota.

Cypripedium candidum is uncommon due to the fact that it has a low seed set caused by often unpollinated flowers, as well as that its habitat of wet praries and fens have been greatly decreased through draining for agricultural purposes. In Ontario, Cypripedium candidum has never been common due to limited occurences of fens in Cypripedium candidum's Southern-Ontario range. Like many wild orchids, this species has been further endangered by collecting for generally futile attempts at cultivation. It is now known from only two sites in the province of Ontario.

Distribution

Cypripedium candidum is found from Western New York, across southern Ontario to North Dakota, and south to New Jersey and Missouri. There are isolated populations of Cypripedium candidumin Connecticut, Manitoba, and (formerly) Saskatchewan. Plant is found in wet prairies and fens, in rich, highly calcareous soils at elevations of 0 to 1000 meters. Plant is also found on rocky slopes of wet forest

Culture

Keep pH around 7 to 8. If plant is potted, do not give direct sun light in the noon time. Plant establishes slow when transplanted and is usually killed by over wateringWhen plant is established, keep the mix relatively dry. Like all Cypripedium species, Cyp. candidum goes dormant in the winter.

Naming

Common Names: Small White Lady's Slipper

Synonyms

1. Calceolus candidus Nieuwl. 1913