Etymology: Cypripedium: incorrect Latinization of ancient Greek words meaning "Venus's shoe"
Plants: erect, perennial forb
Leaves: mostly surrounding the stem, oval
Flowers: 6-parted; pouch yellow, often with purple veins; sepals usually twisted, green-yellow to purple-brown; inflorescence of 1 or 2 flowers; blooms May-June usually twisted, green-yellow to purple-brown; arranged in a 1-or 2- flowered cluster; blooms May-June
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.