Endangered Plants of Ontario - Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

Cypripedium arietinum

Status

Uncommon in Ontario, endangered in Saskatchewan, rare in Manitoba; threatened in the United States, endangered in Wisconsin, threatened in Michigan, rare in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Range

Nova Scotia to eastern Saskatchewan, south to Connecticut (formerly), Massachusetts, and Minnesota; also in western China.

Habitat

Coniferous woods, often in more or less sandy soils, but also in bogs and fens.

Height

10 to 35 cm.

Bloom Period

Late May and June.

Factors contributing to its status

Lady's-slippers have mutually beneficial relationships with microscopic fungi in the soil. The absence of the essential fungi may limit the ability of this and other orchids to establish populations at new sites.

Most Ontario populations of this species are along the sandy shores of Lake Huron, where cottage construction, other shoreline development, and recreational activities have eliminated some of its populations and continue to jeopardize others. Even in nature reserves, this species is threatened by trampling and other disturbance of its habitat by over-zealous naturalists and photographers.

Like many wild orchids, this species has also been endangered by collecting for generally unsuccessful attempts at cultivation.

Notes

The pollination of this species is similar to that of the small white lady's-slipper.

Habitat	Coniferous woods, often in more or less sandy soils, but also in bogs and fens.
Height	10 to 35 cm.
Bloom Period	Late May and June.
Factors contributing to its status	Lady's-slippers have mutually beneficial relationships with microscopic fungi in the soil. The absence of the essential fungi may limit the ability of this and other orchids to establish populations at new sites. Most Ontario populations of this species are along the sandy shores of Lake Huron, where cottage construction, other shoreline development, and recreational activities have eliminated some of its populations and continue to jeopardize others. Even in nature reserves, this species is threatened by trampling and other disturbance of its habitat by over-zealous naturalists and photographers. Like many wild orchids, this species has also been endangered by collecting for generally unsuccessful attempts at cultivation.
Notes	The pollination of this species is similar to that of the small white lady's-slipper.